Tide Ride time

Mark Barnes takes a look at the runners and riders in the B14 fleet

With the Holt 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 for the B14 fleet. Though not the biggest fleet this year, that going to the Musto Skiff – RS 700 head to head (will the RS 700 fleet get their revenge?), the teams turning up have depth of talent.

The on form teams are:

Matt Searle and Andy Ramus: Current World, National and European Champions. They are one of the favourites to win the event unless it is light but do not discount them. Missed the final last year due to a kite error.

Nils Jolliffe an Joel McDonald: Now without JB but sailing with Joel, these guys will be quick. One who should make it through to the Final. They finished fourth last year.

Chris Bines and Dave Gibbons – CSC: Ones not to mess with as very consistent starters. Second in the Nationals and Europeans and brides maids in the last two Tide Rides. They have the ability to be there when it counts and may be luckier this year.

Mark Barnes and Tom Pygall – Readycrest: Good in all but particularly fast in light to medium conditions. Last year Mark did himself in by coming from a hospital bed to race, but the team still put in a good performance on day two. Maybe their time this year. Finished third in the Nationals and Europeans but the kings of the downhill slide. Finished ninth last year.

Tim Fells and Shaun Barber – AT&T: Past World, National, European and Tide Ride Champions. If lady luck calls at their door again, they may prove unbeatable but have been off the front pace recently. Finished third last year.

Mark Watts and Pete Nicholson: Teaming up for this event. Mark normally sails with Tim (Stig) Rogers and finished fouth in the Nationals and Europeans. Last year Mark won the race final at the Tide Ride and finished fifth overall. Though not favourites they will be in with a shout.

Don Forster and Kate Forster – Performance Rigging: Don and Kate have a reputation of being quick upwind and tenacious downwind. Finishing fifth in the Nationals, they should be in with a chance of the final.

Dan Willett and Stuart Phillips: This year when they travel, they have shown some
good speed in all conditions and finished sixth at the Nationals. If they avoid the infamous black flag they should be in the final. They go better as it gets windier.

Will Davies and Kyle Patternoster: Will is not sailing with Mike Robbins but having been out of the boat recently, if the team click they will be in with a shout of the final. Will finished 12th last year.

Gerry Brown and Leaky: What can we say about these two, at times fast and other times busy. This event may be suited to them this year as their speed has been getting better all season. Finished seventh at the Nationals.

Guy Whitby and Anna Payne: Though a new team to the circuit this year, have shown some speed at times are not to be discounted.

Dan Cowin and Ed Rogers: If consistency falls at their door these two could have a good event. At times during the Nationals the put in some good results but could not put a series together. This weekend may work for them.