UK and Irish Runners & Riders for the B14 World Championship in Sydney, Australia
by Tony Blackmore 30 Dec 2024 06:19 PST
2-4 & 6-10 January 2025
UK and Irish sailors getting set for the B14 Worlds in Sydney © Tony Blackmore
By the time you read this the B14 UK and Ireland contingent will be in or en-route to Woollahara Sailing Club in Sydney Harbour. Of course this isn't the beginning of the adventure. For that we need to go back several months to the container loading!
This happened at Peters and May shipping in Southampton where 10 boats and most of the crew gathered in excited anticipation to pack, load and say good bye to their beloved (boats!) for the 3 month trip across the high seas to Australia. The B14s are very lucky to have container loading experience in the fleet and with the Leaky Pipes patented racking system and back up guidance the boats were packed and tied down.
A long day later. And relax...
Three months later...
Well here we are, 28 degrees, 15 knots and a harbour full of ferries, big catamarans and motor cruisers all flying past at speed... We're heading down wind with the kite up past the 150m 3 masted yacht, past Shark Island, Clark Island and down towards the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge... AWESOME!
Will we return with the ashes? Only time will tell but we have several boats in the armoury who have every chance. With the current holders from the last world's in Garda, Mark Watts and MJ in Wonky Donkey not competing, it will be down to the crews below to bring the Ashes home. So who's here?
Geri Fermer/Leaky GBR786 Leaky's Bunk
Geri and Leaky met whilst doing the 2001 Worlds in Garda. This couple are B14 royalty and seriously quick as well. There is no doubt they will have a top 3 result or two. Quick and very high off the start line do not be tempted to start to windward of them.
Chris Bateman/Lucy Loughton IRE774 Squirrel
A new team who only bought the boat in July 2024. They had completed 3 full days of sailing it before loading in Sept. However Lucy has been in the front end of a Worlds and Nationals race winning boat and Chris, besides being a part of the Irish Olympic squad has been racing Fireballs, Cherubs and I14s, coming 6th in the most recent POW. A team to watch.
Tony Blackmore/Jamie Dawson GBR788 Admiral's Bunk
A long time sailor of B14s having competed at the 2007 Worlds in Restronget they have been sailing together for a couple of years and have recently come 3rd in the Nationals. Proponents of a big breeze, if it's blowing and the helms body can hold together a top 10 result could be on the cards.
Nick Craig/Tobytastic GBR801 Harken
You'd be seriously deranged not to bet on these guys despite not having sailed on the harbour before. 3rd at the Garda Worlds due to a technical difficulty in the last race they've arrived with a brand new boat and attitude! They are also favourites to win the log nail championship having beaten all-comers in Garda.
Simon Hadley/Nikki Hadley GBR770 Captain's Bunk
Again long time B14 sailors who have performed at the top of the field. It's been Simon who has spent hundreds of hours making sure the container happens! We thank you! This pairing haven't sailed regularly but in fair conditions will certainly make their presence known at the front.
James Gardner/Anne Gardner GBR798 PSB Repairs.co.uk
The only team GBR sailor using Aussie Irwin sails has proved quick in some conditions. A 3rd at the UK Nats in Torbay maybe an indicator of a top performance in Sydney.
Ali Moppett/Rory Moppett GBR757 Going out in a blaze of Rory
Fans of Awesome Aussie Skiffs since childhood these brothers are no strangers to B14 sailing. Having recently upgraded to an Ovington hull they just need to get some settings dialled in to move up the fleet.
Amir Shamsuddin/Guy Raynes GBR795 Night Shift
They are a new crew combo who both sail B14s with different partners, but if they gel then the speed Amir has been showing recently could get them into the chocolates. Night shift by name, night shift by nature this pairing will almost certainly lead the way in the bar!
Wayne Hancox/Claire Geoghegan GBR766 Wave
A relatively new pairing they are getting quicker every time they do an event. Having sailed many other skiffs in the past and getting to grips with the B, expect their results to improve significantly during their stay in Sydney.
Will Rand/Audrey Scheu and Charlie Sturr GBR787 Troublegum
Will has come over to Sydney and has secured the services of Aussie crews for the Pre Worlds and Worlds. Will having local knowledge on board be a big advantage? He's quick in the windy and could shock with some demon results.
The Pre Worlds start on the 2nd January for three days and then, following a lay day, the Worlds start on the Monday 6th January.
Watch this space for updates...