Spice (Topper) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Topper Spice in 1996 marked Topper International's continued expansion of its versatile Topaz range, building on a legacy established by the iconic Topper dinghy launched in 1976. Designers Ian Howlett and John Craig envisioned the Spice as a performance-oriented dinghy, incorporating features like a fractional sloop rig, twin trapeze, and an asymmetrical spinnaker to maximize speed and excitement. Topper International, known for its innovative use of injection-moulded polypropylene and TRILAM sandwich construction, applied these durable and lightweight manufacturing techniques to the Spice, ensuring a robust build quality consistent with the brand's reputation for longevity and resilience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Topper Spice is engineered for speed and agility, boasting a reported sail area of 171 square feet on a length overall of just under 14 feet and a beam of 6.23 feet. Its design, featuring a centerboard and a deep rudder, contributes to predictable and easy maneuvering [2,. Sailors often describe the Spice as "blindingly quick," particularly in moderate winds, offering a sensation akin to a smaller version of high-performance boats.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and designed for twin trapeze use with an asymmetrical spinnaker, the Spice excels in downwind performance, where it is noted for planing easily [13,. The ability to go "single wiring upwind and twin wiring down" highlights its versatile performance envelope, making it less frustrating than some other twin-wire boats and allowing for quicker entry into competitive racing. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Spice can keep pace with larger dinghies like 420s in certain conditions, demonstrating its significant performance potential when sailed effectively. Owners generally find it a "fun" boat, though some note it can be "nosey on 2 sail reaches".

Accommodations and Layout

As a performance dinghy measuring 13.94 feet in length, the Topper Spice focuses on a functional cockpit layout designed for two-person racing. Its open, self-draining cockpit prioritizes efficient crew movement and sail handling rather than internal accommodations. The layout is optimized for the twin trapeze setup, allowing both helmsman and crew to maximize righting moment and leverage the boat's powerful sail plan [1,. Key elements include clear deck space for quick maneuvers, robust fittings for control lines, and a design that facilitates the deployment and retrieval of the asymmetrical spinnaker. The emphasis is entirely on on-water performance and ease of handling during dynamic sailing.