Topaz Taz Plus Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Taz Plus is noted for its stability and user-friendly responsiveness, qualities that earned it the Sail Magazine Best Dinghy award. Unlike the square-bowed trainers of previous generations, the Taz features a true "pointy" bow and flared topsides, which allow for more aggressive hiking and better tracking in a breeze. Under sail, the boat feels buoyant and "nippy," with a hull form that planes easily when handled by lighter junior sailors.

The rigging is intentionally simplified to build confidence. The Taz Plus features a two-piece mast and a Bermuda rig, which prepares students for the equipment they will encounter in adolescent classes like the Laser or 29er. The boat can be configured with a 4.39 m² Dacron mainsail for solo beginners or a 5.39 m² "Plus" rig that includes a 1.00 m² jib for two children. With a Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) rating typically between 1500 and 1550, it is competitive against other modern junior dinghies like the RS Tera, though it is often perceived as more forgiving due to its high level of primary stability.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Topaz Taz has carved out a significant niche in the global training community. It is a certified World Sailing (formerly ISAF) "Learn to Sail" Class, a distinction that validates its safety and instructional design. Beyond its institutional use, the boat was prominently recognized by Sail Magazine in their 2011 "Best Boats" lineup, where editors highlighted its ability to accommodate an adult and a child together—a rarity for a boat under 10 feet. It is frequently featured in RYA (Royal Yachting Association) "OnBoard" programs across the UK, cementing its status as a cornerstone of grassroots youth sailing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Taz Plus is renowned for its "maintenance-free" TRILAM hull, second-hand buyers should focus on specific hardware and structural wear points:

• Mast Gate Peg: The mast is secured by a hinged gate system with a locking peg. These pegs can be lost or the orange retaining lines snapped; ensure the locking mechanism still clicks securely into place.
• Transom Fittings: Check the upper transom fitting and the retaining clip for the rudder. If the clip is worn or missing, the rudder stock may jump out of its pintles during a capsize.
• Hull Warping: Polyethylene hulls can "oil-can" (develop flat spots or indentations) if stored tightly on a trailer for years in high heat. Inspect the hull bottom for symmetry.
• Self-Bailing Cockpit: The Taz features an open transom for self-draining. Ensure the cockpit floor remains clear of debris and that the padded hiking straps are not frayed or detaching from their mounting points.
• Daggerboard Trunk: Inspect the trunk for heavy scarring or cracks. While TRILAM is tough, repeated groundings can wear down the daggerboard or damage the internal casing.

Community & Resources

The Taz is supported by the International Topper Class Association (ITCA), which, while primarily focused on the original 5.3 and 4.2 Topper dinghies, often provides a community framework for junior racing and events. Technical support and replacement parts remain highly accessible through Topper International’s headquarters in Ashford, Kent. Detailed rigging guides and owners' manuals are maintained by the manufacturer to assist parents and sailing schools in maintaining the class’s strict safety standards.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Virtually indestructible TRILAM hull construction.
• Highly buoyant and easy to right after a capsize.
• Light enough to be car-topped by two adults.
• Versatile rig allows for solo sailing or two-child crew.

Cons:

• Cockpit is very cramped for adults over 6 feet tall.
• The small jib can be finicky for very young sailors to manage initially.
• Rotomolded plastic lacks the ultimate stiffness of fiberglass for high-end racing.