Flitcham pupil Toby, 10, crowned national topper champion

A sailing star in the making from Flitcham Church of England Primary Academy has become a national topper champion.

Toby Turner, 10, was crowned National 4.2 Topper winner after an impressive and competitive competition with the International Topper Class Association GBR in Bolton recently.

The youngster proudly brought his sailing trophy in to school to showcase his champion efforts.

Turner said: “I am really proud of my racing at the weekend, it was great fun. I have come a long way in a short space of time and I am really enjoying my sailing.

“I have a lot of fun at training weekends and have made some brilliant friends through sailing. I am so pleased I won NS1. I think all my hard work, training in all conditions is really starting to pay off now.”

The Snettisham Beach Sailing Club member has been selected for the 4.2 National Topper training team and the RYA Eastern Regional training group which involves a 12-weekend commitment over the winter months travelling up and down the country.

Jane Gardener, executive headteacher of Flitcham Church of England Primary Academy, said: “We are so proud of Toby and his achievements.

“It has been wonderful to see him grow in confidence with his sailing, and we are delighted to be able to support him in his endeavours.”

Hayley Turner, Toby’s mum, said: “He sailed incredibly well, beating the previous champion and his sister to a very successful sweep of wins across 4/5 of his races. This was NS1 North.

“There are five National Series (NS) during the year, culminating in the Nationals Week in Wales next year. He is absolutely delighted.”

Turner trains regularly with Snettisham Beach Sailing Club and in the summer term all Year Six pupils have the opportunity to sail with the school at SBSC.