Lining up for Plymouth

Mark Barnes reviews the form going into the B14 UK Nationals

With the B14 Nationals being staged at Mayflower Sailing Club in Plymouth over the Bank Holiday, the event looks as if it is going to be a good one. With sailing possible inside and outside the breakwater, we’ll hopefully not have a repeat of the days lost over the last two years.

This year the Nationals look to be fairly open with several teams throwing their hats into the arena at the last few TT events. To add spice to the event, we see the return of Tim Fells crewed by James Stewart of Merlin Rocket, RS400 and RS200 fame. With Nick and Emma Craig having twins Kate and Adam on Tuesday, its going to be a close call to see if Nick and Toby Lewis the current champions will make the event.

So which team will be the one that gets the bragging rights come the end of the Bank Holiday. Here is the form guide to assist you in assessing the options. Reports will be posted daily.

- Nick Craig/Toby Lewis – Team Gill – 2-1: Current National and Endeavour (Champion of Champions) champion. They are also leaders of the TT series this year and had a strong Worlds. If they manage to get there (see above), they will be favourites to win. To add spice to the event with James Stewart in another contender, this will add interest to the event. Jockeying for North Sails (UK).

- Mark Barnes/Pete Nicholson – Seavolution 1 – 2-1: Sailing their new boat 784, though winning a tightly contested last TT, have yet to get the boat up to full speed. So are more vulnerable than usual. To cap this, Mark had a serious bicycle accident in March and is still receiving treatment to add to the issue. Winning the Pre-Worlds and coming second in the Worlds, they are still not to be written off and will be there in the mix on the last day. Jockeying for North Sails (UK).

- Tim Harrison/Johnny Radcliffe – Anthill Mob – 3-1: One of the most consistent teams, currently and lying second in the 2009 TT series. Another team that is on form. Finishing on the podium at TT events. They are in with a chance of finishing in the top 4 but their chink in the armour is the big breeze and occasional capsize, as was seen at the Worlds. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Tim Fells/James Stewart – Dynamic Sails 2 – 3-1: Needing no introduction, Tim multiple World Champion, has been taking a sabbatical in the Laser SB3, but is returning for the Nationals with one of sailing best known current domestic sailing characters, James Stewart. If they click, they will be very fast and if tricky conditions, will be potentially at an advantage. Need the breeze as one of the heavier teams at the front. Jockeying for Dynamic Sails.

- Chris Bines/Dave Giddons – Quinta Radisson - 3-1: Multiple champions in other classes, last year’s nearly team with a disastrous Nationals. They had a good Worlds and will be out to back to the top and may claim their first Nationals. The venue should be to their liking. Prefer the breeze. They will be looking to finish in the top 5 boats. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Mark Watts/George Morris – Simmons&Simmons - 4-1: Last year’s UK TT series runners up and doing well throughout the last 12 months, look good for the top 5. They have recently switched from North Sails to Hyde to become one of their Jokey boats. If all comes together, and it being Mark’s home waters, they may well take the elusive prize. Jockeying Hyde Sails.

- David Hayes/Rich Bell – Sketchworks/North Sails (UK) – 4-1: Multiple B14 champions and sailing their new boat 785, they have shown some great speed since returning from the Worlds. Consistency will be their make or break for taking the prize home. They will be looking to force their way into the top 5 boats. Jockeying North Sails (UK) sails.

- Mark Emmett/Allan Stuart – Acxiom - 6–1: Though both experienced, their second year together and if enthusiasm and preparation are the key, they will be there or there abouts especially if breezy. Running the larger roach main and nearer the top end weight in the UK fleet, they are competitive in all conditions. Looking to be in the top 7. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Alan Davis/Toby Barsley-Dale – Hyde Sails – 6-1: One of the lighter teams and at the Worlds in Hobart, produced some very good results. Good at getting the best out of the boat and sailing cleanly, should be good at putting a series together. Toby will be running a new style Hyde main for the event. Jockeying his own Hyde Sails.

- Dave Dubrovnik/Phil Eltringham – Dynamic Sails – 7-1: These two should be in the mix and at times show good speed. Question is, has Dave sailed the B14 enough to break into the top 6 when the fat lady sings. Possibly the dark horse of the event. Jockeying Dave’s own Dynamic sails.

- Piers Lambert/Mark Batt – 2 Racks of Pork - 9-1: A team that came together last year and shows good speed at times. If lady luck rolls the dice in their favour, they will be riding on the back of the front pack ready to pick off those that make a mistake. Good for top 10. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Will McGrath/Harry Reece – Seavolution 2 - 10-1: Sailing probably the quickest B14 in the northern hemisphere and currently being our top under 21 team, these two could provide an upset to the front end established teams. So one to watch especially if the confidence is there early on. Looking to be top 12. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Frank Rowsell/Ed Impey – Rowsell Sails – 10–1: Should be members of the pack. When they have been seen on the circuit, they have performed well. Rumoured to have been out practicing a lot recently, could be the other dark horse of the event. Jockeying his own Rowsell Sails.

- Mark Elkington/Charlie Game – Winged Monkey – 10-1: Winners of the last Starcross TT in 2008, they can mix it and if not windy could be the SW's top boat. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Dan Cowin/Rachel Bennet – Chattanooga Choo Choo – 12-1: This team is coming good this year and with the boat just having had a big makeover, will be mixing it in the pack. Running North Sails (UK) sails.

- Dick Roe/Kate Dulieu – Hydrotherapy – 12-1: Returning after a layoff, they will be out to prove a point and should be on the pace. One to watch. Running Hyde Sails.

- Tony Blackmore Charlotte Jones – Sailsport - 14–1: Currently our top alloy rig team and should be running around just outside the top 10. Famous for the tombstone photo shoot and will not want to repeat that but when pedal is to the metal, certainly hold their own. Running Rowsell Sails.

- Stephen Hollingsworth/Chris Murphy - Smack my b**up – 14-1: The formation team. Light but show good speed in flat water, but have a habit of been blown off the water in big breeze. More pies and beer for them. Not sure who’s sails they will be running for the champs.