Around 20 days to go to Prince of Wales Trophy at Hayling Island Club

by gbr.international14.org on 25 May 2016 The most prestigious of the UK International 14 trophies, the Prince of Wales Cup is arguably one of the most sought after pieces of silverware in the sailing world. This year the fleet are making a return to Hayling Bay, the first time since the infamous 2010 PoW which saw only 16 boats from the 37 boat fleet finish the 30+knot race.

This June, we return to Hayling Island to battle it out once more and as we build up to the World Championships in Carnac, it's a great chance to see who we should be looking out for...

Unless you've had your head in the sand, you'll know that last year's winners will not be staking a claim at the PoW this year, due to helm Glen Truswell's broken foot. So the question is, who will be filling his shoes? Given his latest reserve driver was Stuart Bithell, the sky appears to be the limit for crew Sam Pascoe.

So what does this mean for the rest of the fleet? Does this leave the podium open for another team?

Archie Massey, four time world champion is the first name that springs to mind when considering the potential threats to the title. Archie and Glen have spent the last 18 months squaring up to each other on the water repeatedly, often leaving the rest of the fleet behind as they push each other harder and faster. And with Glen out this year, could it leave it wide open for Archie to take the trophy? Or will another take the top step? With Archie's new boat delayed beyond PoW, it is down to 'George first' to show the new ships how it's done.

And there are plenty of new ships hitting the water. The Partingtons will be launching a brand new Beiker six imminently, and if there is similar breeze to our last visit to the Island, they are sure to be strong contenders. What will their orange vessel have to offer?

It seems orange is the colour of the moment, with Katie Nurton's stunning marmalade coloured Hollom design, 'Amazing Maisy', making quite an entrance to Itchenor Sailing Club only a few weeks ago. The question is, will these new boats be ready to hit the ground running? Will the fettling, tinkering and bimbling be completed in time?

And as if that weren't enough, the rumours surrounding the possible returns to the fleet have reached new heights. Roger Gilbert and Ben McGrane have made a number of appearances over the last eight months, each time showing that they still have it all to play for. They aren't the only ones rumoured to be throwing their hat into the ring. Some of the names flying around include Chris Turner from Ovington, Ian Turnbull and Adam Ovington to name just a few.

Yet not all of the hopefuls are returners, Neale Jones and Ed Fitzgerald have been making a name for themselves since they joined forces in Beiker six 'Roxanne', winning the Bloody Mary Trophy this year and making it into the top six in last year's PoW race.

Andy Shaw and Adam Lees also fought their way into the top six last year, but they've been noticeably absent so far this season. Are they building up to something? Or will they be missing in action?

Possibly the most eagerly anticipated entrance into the fleet is not a sailor, but a boat. Many of you will have heard about the Wide Rack proposal and some of you may be aware that the prototype, built by Richard Woof, hit the water recently. With many in the fleet lining up to take their turn, it is unsurprising that it is expected to be lining up in Hayling Bay in just a few short weeks. The person taking the reins is yet to be officially confirmed, but given it's form on Sunday when it attempted it's first I14 event, it appears that this will definitely be one to watch!

So there you have it, just a few of the names to look out for as we prepare for what is going to be a thrilling event, both on and off the water.

Entry is open, don't forget that it is currently at the reduced rate of £180 until 2nd June, it will then increase to £225. So don't delay, sign up below to be a part of the action...