B14 Tide Ride

Mark Barnes has a look at who is on form in the B14 fleet leading up to the Tide Ride this weekend

With the Tide Ride fast approaching and the entry list closing, the Tide Ride this year looks as if it is going to be a good one. Though not the biggest fleet this year, that going to the Musto Skiff – RS 700 head to head (one all have been waiting to see), the teams turning up have depth of talent.

Matt Searle and Andy Ramus; are the current National and European Champions. They are one of the favourites to win the event unless it is light but do not discount them.

Tim Fells and Sean Dwyer: Tim is current World and Tide Ride Champion and Sean has won many championships. If lady luck calls at their door again, they may prove unbeatable and have just won the Hayling Island TT on count-back from Matt and Sandy.

Mark Barnes and Tom Pygall – Readycrest: TT winners 2004 and current leaders (3 TT wins in 2005) and Inland Champions. Good in all but particularly fast in light to medium conditions. Last year the black flag did for their chance to win leaving them in finishing fifth place overall.

Nils Jolliffe and Jonathon Branch – Boatracer.co.uk: Second at the Nationals and when on song they fly. One who should make it through to the final, this team finished fourth last year.

Jamie Mears and Matt Gill – PICA: Known as the machine. In their new boat they have proven that they are quick and capable of putting a good series together. One to watch for the finals.

Chris Bines and Dave Gibbons – CSC: Currently second in the 2005 TT series and second in the Tide Ride in 2004. They have the ability to be there when it counts and may be luckier this year.

Jono Pank and Richard Edwards – Ronstan: National Champions in 2004 and rarely finishing outside the top five. They had a mediocre Europeans and Nationals by their standards but now have a new untried rig, so anything is possible. Last year the black flag did for their chance to win.

Dave Hayes and Richie Bell: Dave has won most things in the class and Richie used to sail with Matt Searle. Depending on the ship they borrow, should be in the hunt to the final.

Simon Hadley and Pete Nicholson: Though having not won a major event, these two have over the last couple of events shown some consistent pace that all will have to watch. They made the Finals last year.

Steve Fisher and Neil Barber: Last year’s Tide Ride series leader into the finals but parked on too many marks in the strong tide on Sunday morning. Not seen much this year but have the knack to pull it out of the bag.

Will Davies and Mike Robbins: The youngsters in the fleet. No respect for age or reputation. They take all on and have claimed many a scalp. If the dice rolls their way they will be there in the final.

Dan Willett and Stuart Phillips: This year when they travel, have shown some good speed in all conditions. Last year unlucky to get black-flagged from the final so handing the last slot to Tim Fells. They are back to set the record straight.