Dinghy racers take to the sea in Lowestoft for National Series event

Competitors wheel their racers towards the beach. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Hosted by the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club on July 15 and 16, competitors and their families travelled from across the country for the Topper National Series race, a key qualifying stage for the ambitious youngsters.

The International Topper Class Association (ITCA) event brought the spectacular sight of hundreds of dinghies with their red, white and blue sails launching from the beach into the sea close to Lowestoft's Claremont Pier.

Competitors raced in two fleets, the smaller of which uses a 4.2 sail suitable for novices and the other using a 5.3 standard size sail for more experienced sailors.

Sally Dugdale, ITCA chairman, said: 'The Toppers had a fantastic weekend here in 2015 and everyone has very much enjoyed sailing at Lowestoft again.'

Over 150 young sailors descended on Lowestoft for the event. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Check out our selection of photos from the event.

Competititors prepare their dinghies before racing begins. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Dinghies launched from the beach close to Lowestoft's Claremont Pier. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

There was one race for novices and one for more experienced sailors. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Participants have been looking to earn a place in the national squad. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The racing was a Topper National Series event. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Action from the weekend's dinghy racing.. Photo: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)