How does the IOM TOPIKO vary from ITALIKO?
A TOPIKO is very similar to ITALIKO, with which we are very pleased, and the above waterline lines, wetted surface area, stability and general dimensions are nearly the same. The differences are small changes to the section shape, rocker line, longitudinal centre of buoyancy and detail cosmetic treatment of the transom and bow. The decision to build the new plug was based on favourable reports of the performance of a number of close sisters to ITALIKO that have been built and trialled. In particular they are reported to have excellent speed downwind in a breeze and the ability to sprint away in a gust. Time will tell if this difference represents a genuine overall increase in performance of what is already known to be a superb design (2000, 2003 and 2004 UK champion, 2002 and 2003 Iberian champion, 2004 Adriatic champion, 2004 USA champion) or whether it is a change of emphasis. TOPIKOs placed 2nd at the 2005 and 2007 world championships and took six of the top eleven places in 2007 wi
