Battle in Brightlingsea

Mark Barnes looks at the form book for this weekend's B14 UK National Championship

With the B14 Nationals taking place this weekend at Brghtlingsea Sailing Club, the event looks as if it is going to be a good one. The question is, will the breeze play ball and will it be from the North to East quadrant. If so, then it will be a real snakes and ladders event. All the current big names will be attending. The format will be ten races over three days starting on Saturday.

There are six teams that have shown themselves to be the leaders of the pack this year, being The Anthill Mob, 773, CSC/Hyde, MJF/North Sails UK, Simmons&Simmons and Seavolution/Blue Marine. However, with unpredictable conditions, especially from the north, you may be able to tear up the form guide but here are the favoured runners and riders.

Tim Harrison and Johnny Radcliffe – The Anthill Mob:

They came back with a bang last year. Narrowly missing out on the Nationals crown in second, Worlds sixth and finishing on the podium at TT events in 2007. Though not attending many events this year, they have shown they have not lost the speed. If not breezy, they are looking to be in the top three.

Chris Bines and Dave Gibbons – CSC/Hyde Sails:

The home team. They have switched to Hyde sails this year and speed does not seem to be an issue. One of the most consistent starters and strong in the breezer conditions. Last year they won the Tide Ride and finished third at the Worlds but missed the Nationals. Looking to be in the top three boats.

Mark Barnes and Pete Nicholson – Seavolution/Blue Marine:

Current National Champions, 2007 TT series winners, fifth Worlds, second Tide Ride 2007 and leaders of this year’s TT series. Good in all but particularly fast in light to medium conditions. Pete is a Brightlingsea sailor. Looking to be in the top three boats.

Nick Craig and Toby Lewis – 773:

Nick is the current leader of the pack in OKs, past top gun in the RS400s, multiple Endeavour winner and also top Enterprise sailor. Toby, currently Endeavour champion crew and top RS200 crew. Though these two have only been sailing B14s since last November, they have been putting in the hours and we have seen them get to grips with the B14. Both these guys know how to put a series together. If things go their way, they will be in the hunt on the last day. Looking to be in the top five boats.

Mark Watts and George Morris – Simmons&Simmons:

Last year they were Ince&Co. In 2007, they finished second in the UK TT series, fourth in the Worlds and third at the Nationals. This year with new crew George Morris and Sponsor, this team is resurging up the rankings and growing stronger with each event. Looking to be in the top seven boats.

Dave Hayes and Rich Bell – MJF/North Sails (UK):

Though both experienced in the fleet with National and European championships to their names, they will be there or there abouts and if the top three make mistakes, they will be there to take a podium place. Looking to be in the top seven boats.

Chris Turner and Phil Eltringham - Ovington Boats:

This team finished fourth at the 2007 Nationals. They should do well. At their best in the light to medium conditions. Looking to be in the top 12.

Mike Bees and Ferret – Ronstan:

Mike and Ferret are Brightlingsea sailors and have been sailing B14s for several years. These guys will be in the hunt for a podium position. Good in all conditions. Looking to be in the top 12.

Mark Emmett and Alan Stuart – Acxiom:

A new team in 2008 but with Alan being the ex helm of Blue Marine, these two have got to grips with the boat and are getting quicker and quicker. Sailing one of the most striking boats in the fleet, they will be sailing around in the front pack. Looking to finish in the top 12.

Mark Pollard and Richard Hingston – 764:

One of the SW dream teams that consistently delivers. These two will be in the hunt all weekend in all conditions. Last year at the Nationals, they started strongly but faded towards the end. This year could be different. Looking to finish in the top 12.

Alan Davis and Kathy Sherret – 763:

Alan has sailed in the class for many years and at the Worlds finished 17th with Toby Barsley-Dale. Sailing with Kathy they will be one of the lighter teams and should do well especially if light conditions. Looking to finish in the top 12.

Piers Lambert and Tim Bees – 774:

Piers and Tim are Brightlingsea sailors and have been sailing B14s for several years. These guys will be in the running and have a possible chance of a podium position. Good in all conditions. Looking to be in the top 12.

Gerry Brown and Chris Fermor – Leaky Pipes:

What can we say about these two, life’s manyana team who frustratingly on occasions show great speed but on others struggle in the back half of the fleet. At the Worlds they had a third in one race and at other times were up there. If firing on all cylinders, could come good. Looking to finish in the top 16.

Theo Gaylor and Jack Spencer – Credo:

Last year’s top youth team on the TT circuit. These guys just get better as they mature. Starting this weekend with a carbon mast, they will be mixing it with the leaders of the pack. If they get to grips with the carbon and the roll of the dice goes their way, they could do really well. Looking to finish in the top 16.

Mark Elkington and Charlie Game – 762:

One of the SW dream teams when all goes well. They have a reputation for moments of being very quick and this could be good for them. If out of the blocks fast things could go their way. Looking to finish in the top 16.

Chris Bishop and Laura Hitchcock – Rush Sails:

One of the lighter teams, but with bespoke sails and lighter conditions, these two could be in the hunt for some race podium positions. Looking to finish in the top 16.