Topper Sail Phuket is founded and run by Katy Gooch, Paul Firmin & Jah Poosnan. It was through their involvement with the local sailing club in Ao Yon and the club’s struggle to meet the demand from people interested in learning to sail, that they decided to import Topper boats from the UK and start their own sailing school. The Thai company has also gained the dealership for Topper International in Thailand.

Katy Gooch, Vice President & Coach for Phuket Youth Sailing Club, has a background in teaching outdoor education activities in the UK. She has been teaching and coaching sailing & kayaking for over 20 years. Katy is a RYA Senior Dinghy & Keelboat Sailing Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor and a BCU Level 3 Coach (Sea & Inland).

Her passion is kayaking and sailing competing in the BCU National Ranking Slalom for many years with many surfing and sea trips under her belt. She is also a keen yacht racer, participating regularly for fifteen years in local and offshore racing with RORC. Katy is a member of the British Canoe Union (BCU), Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the Crouch Yacht Club (CYC) and the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (RCYC).

Paul Firmin, Team Manager of the Phuket Youth Sailing Club, also has a background in yacht racing. Back in the UK, he spend much time racing “squibs” (22ft keel boat) where he regularly participated in inlands and Nationals. Paul is an RYA assistant instructor, UK endorsed powerboat operator and also coaches the Phuket Youth Team. Paul is also a member of the RCYC.

In 2013, Topper Sail Phuket became the first recognised RYA Dinghy Sailing and Powerboating School in South-East Asia. We provide ourselves on maintaining the high quality and safety standards that this recognition requires.

All of our qualified instructors have First Aid training, and both instructors and assistants are required to observe recommended best practice ashore and afloat in accordance with our Centre’s Operational Manual.


courses

Topper Sail Phuket has a huge variety of courses on offer. Whether it is your first time afloat, you are looking to improve and develop your skills or just want to have a go… our courses are designed to be fun, rewarding and an inspirational experience –guaranteed to give you a lifelong taste for adventure!

You will experience a warm welcome and encouraging atmosphere at Topper Sail Phuket. The centre has one of the largest choices of courses currently available on Phuket so whatever you’re looking for we are sure to have the right course for you.

We provide the highest standards of tuition, equipment and facilities. Small instructor/participant ratios mean you also enjoy quality tuition on a more personal basis. You will also find plenty to help you progress beyond the basics and gain proficiency awards, certificates and instructional qualifications.