GBR International 14s packed for Perth: A look at the runners and riders in the team
by Luke & Heather Boughton 24 Nov 00:16 PST
29 December 2019 - 10 January 2020
International 14 Prince of Wales Cup 2019 action © Lee Whitehead /
www.photolounge.co.uk
Ten GBR International 14s have been packed in a container and have set sail from Southampton travelling to Perth, Australia. Perth Dinghy Sailing Club is the oldest 14 club in the world and has a rich sailing history of what was the 14ft skiff before the merger to create the International class we have today.
Let's open the Team GB container and see who is inside for the #i14worlds 2020. Kicking off with the reigning World Champions...
- GBR 1559 Andy and Tom Partington, Penguin Dance
This father and son duo won the Prince of Wales Cup this year and have also been busy off the water with Tom getting married in June. As if getting married was not enough, the newlyweds secured European glory with the RS800s in Lake Garda. With so much success in 2019, will the Penguin Dance on the top step of the podium at this years Worlds?
- GBR 1553 Neale Jones and Ed FitzGerald, Scrumpet
The young guns of the fleet have had a great year racking up 1st in the Europeans, 1st in POW week as well as multiple event wins throughout the year. Coming 2nd in San Fran means this dynamic duo will be pushing for the top spot at the worlds.
- GBR 1563 Archie Massey and Harvey Hillary, Zog
The first of the fleet to take delivery of the new Ovington B6 and it is proving extremely quick. This year they have been getting to know their new boat which has already been successful, coming 2nd in the Europeans in Flensburg. The first worlds for the team since Archie retired his multiple worlds winning boat, George 1st, but will this be a 1st for Zog in 2020?
- GBR 1556 Dan Holman and Alex Knight, Helly the Pelly
Probably the coolest boat in the fleet with some very special features and funky daggerboard paint job. Dan and Alex have always been at the front but have never quite got to the podium at the World or European stage. Coming 2nd in POW week and many top results to boot, this team are pushing for podium glory in Perth.
- ITA 1547 Dominic Van Essen and Simo Saccani, Georgie Girl
With Dominic from Great Britain and Simo from Italy - there is no doubting this team's commitment to the fleet. Living in Nice, but sailing from Itchenor, their love for the 14 class is very infectious and is great to see. With a new boat, we have no doubt they will bring determination and style this year's championships.
- GBR 1557 Katie Nurton and Cameron Tweedle, Amazing Maisie
This summer Katie has paired up with ex Finn sailor Cameron, already clicking straight away and getting some great results: 7th overall POW week and First Lady helm. This team has even been spotted training in Weymouth a month before the container was loaded. With all that work they are sure to be a quick and definitely one to watch.
- GBR 1527 Philip McDanell and Luke Boughton, Blue Fire
This season Philip celebrated a half century of sailing in the 14 class. This team had another reason to celebrate after managing a 5th in the Prince of Wales Cup Race. Philip's first time winning a replica trophy as a helm, and Luke being initiated into the Crews Union.
- GBR 1566 Andy FitzGerald and Rich Dobson, Think Pink
Andy and Rich launched their new Ovington B6 this summer and it has already proved to be extremely quick. With Rich now juggling fatherhood with sailing, and bringing his newest arrival with him to Australia for extra luck, this team will be hoping for a podium spot in Perth.
- GBR 1531 Andy Penman and Chris Watson, Eagle 2
Andy and Chris have had some good results this year including a 7th in the Prince of Wales Cup race and good form at the Europeans. They have recently upgraded their boat and will be hoping the go faster parts mean places at the championships.
- GBR 1546 Charlie Duchesne and Ian Lodder, Jungle Fire
Charlie returns for another worlds and with the promise of windy conditions will be hoping to improve on his 16th place in San Fran. Crew Ian's first world's sailing with the master of Jungle Fire Charlie - but will this new pairing be on fire in Perth?
Sailors are set to arrive in Australia towards the end of December to get in some all important training and for the pre-worlds Team Racing event.
Teams from the USA, Canada, Japan and home nation Australia are entered for the World Championships. Keep up to date with all the latest news, results and developments via the 2020 Worlds website and social media accounts.
www.i14worlds2020.com/