Too close to call

The B14 Nationals preview reveals a fleet full of potential winners

The 2005 B14 Nationals is fast approaching, Paignton and the whole of the English Riviera is ready. The action packed racing kicks off at three on Wednesday third August and continues through till Saturday sixth.

Paignton SC are hosting the event and have agreed to provide all the usual class necessities; 10-20 Knots of breeze, Sun, cold beer and free food.

It promises to be a cracking event, building on the 26 entries at the Europeans in Weymouth last weekend.

Of particular note is the outstanding schedule included in the entry fee. Over and above the best dinghy racing on the planet, we have the following extras thrown in for free. Pre-sail briefings and Post-sail debriefs from sailors at the top of the fleet. FotoBoat photographer on the water. Buddy system with boats at the top being paired with those
further down the fleet to help promote information flow. Gold and Silver Fleets to ensure the racing stays tight and prizes get spread throughout. Complimentary pasta snack after sailing every day. Class BBQ at the club. Commodores reception and buffet. The championship is being supported by Henri Lloyd and Ronstan who are providing numerous great prizes.

At the top of the gold fleet the competition looks intense. The runners and riders are well and truly stacking up. Last years world championship bridesmaids, fresh from their Europeans victory which included no less than five race wins are Matt Searle and reigning national champion Andy Ramus, they've spent a lot of time on the water this year and are fully reved up to have a crack at their first title.

Snapping at their heels, claiming silver and just one point behind in the Europeans with two race wins in their new ship, are Jamie Mears & Matt Gill sailing PICA. Previous race winners at the 04 worlds and nationals, they now seem to have their reliability issues sorted out and are sure to be fully mixing it
.
Defending champions and only one further point adrift in third at the Europeans counting no results outside the top three, the consistent Jono Pank and Richard Edwards sailing Ronstan, are out to prove that their metal's still right in the game. Never to be underestimated is the ever present, current and triple world champion, Tim Fells, crewed this year by previous European and 03 national champion Sean Dwyer. Suffering a dunking by virtue of a broken wing on the last day of the Europeans will surely have fuelled their fire for a result.

Current inland champion, UK circuit leaders and race winner at the Europeans, Mark Barnes and Tom Pygall sailing ReadyCrest, renowned for their middle airs pace are sure to pull together a consistent series to pile the pressure at the top of the leader board & are keen to make amends for going so close to the title last year. Current challengers for the circuit, Hornet legends Chris Bines and Dave Gibbons sailing CSC have shown their mastery of the boat in all conditions throughout the season and remain relentlessly competitive, seeking to claim the title and etch their names once more on the Brightlingsea walls of fame. Rounding out the title challengers are former inland champions, Nils Jolliffe and Jon Branch sailing Boatracer.co.uk, currently lying third in the class rankings, they are regular event winners, blisteringly quick when they get in the grove and surely due another big victory soon.

Following on from the Europeans where three boats went into the last race on the same points, this promises to be one of the most competitive B14 championships ever and is far too close to call.

If you have any queries or concerns about coming please don't let it stop you. We are keen to get all standards of sailors to this years nationals and are committed to making sure you have the best four days B14 sailing possible.

Email Jono, Mark or Nils ASAP so we can make sure they'll be enough beer in the club and snacks on the BBQ.

markb@portinfo.co.uk
nils.jolliffe@raymarine.com
jpank@messagelabs.com