Big names line up for the Europe class UK National Championships 2025
by Ben Harris / UK Europe Class Association 28 May 2025 08:50 PDT
30 May-1 June 2025
Tom 'Mozzy' Morris wins the Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island © Robert Deaves /
www.robertdeaves.uk
As the 2025 UK Europe National Championships approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most competitive events in recent memory. With a stacked fleet of seasoned champions, fresh talent, and local heroes all eyeing the title, the stage is set for a memorable event kicking off this weekend at Stokes Bay SC!
As 2024 National Champion, Tom "Mozzy" Morris is undeniably our pre-event "maillot jaune" and the sailor everyone (including his 43,000 YouTube subscribers) will be watching. Mozzy's analytical approach to training, paired with his proven pace, makes him the man to beat. But the chasing pack is hungry, and the depth of talent in this year's fleet means nothing will come easy...
One name that needs no introduction is Steve Cockerill - Mr Rooster has ten Europe National titles to his name - the first in 1986 and most recently in 2023. While Steve has recently turned his attention to double-handed sailing and wingfoiling, his racing pedigree is undeniable. When he's on the start line, he's in contention.
Equally decorated is Chris Gill, another ten-time Europe National Champion who's certainly on form, with a win at the Start of Seasons and a strong second place at the recent Hayling Island event. It's been a few years since his last title in 2019, but with momentum behind him, Gill is more than capable of reclaiming the crown.
Local eyes will be on Jason Belben, a podium regular since he joined the class in 2023. Racing out of Stokes Bay, Jason knows the waters better than most and will be keen to finally convert consistency into victory. Similarly, Jeremy Hartley, splitting time between his Europe and the foiling Moth, has shown strong form in the Stokes Bay Open Winter Series and early-season events.
Both sailors are as comfortable in big breeze as they are in lighter stuff, and both are capable of adding a Europe national title to their trophy cabinets.
Hector Cisneros, runner-up in 2023, is another to watch. Often at the front of the fleet, Hector will be eager to go one better this time around.
A master in marginal conditions, Adam Catlow's home waters of Leigh & Lowton have trained him well for the tactical demands of the fluky shifts and puffy conditions which Stokes Bay could well deliver if the higher land to the west of the sailing club starts to influence the race course!
Adding an exciting unknown to the mix is Rob Gullan. He may have only recently joined the Europe fleet, but he's already proven his potential - taking a race win at his first Europe event just two weeks ago. With a proven track record across multiple classes, Rob could be a dark horse to upset the established order.
Alongside the fight for overall honours, our female competitors will have the added stakes of battling for the prestigious UK Europe Ladies National Champion! As the reigning Ladies Champion, Lucy Boreham returns to defend her 2024 title, but Lucy's campaign won't go unchallenged.
Sue Ogg laid down a serious marker earlier this season, finishing second overall and top woman at the Start of Seasons, thanks to a dominant final day. If Sue carries that form into the nationals, she'll be a real threat to the overall top spot!
Local knowledge may play into the hands of Emma Pearson, who knows these waters intimately, and Mandy Horton is a regular front runner racing Laura Baldwin's RYA-optimised Athens 2004 Olympic boat.
The Europe class prides itself on inclusivity - always aiming to create a fun, friendly and welcoming environment for all sailors, irrespective of your age, gender or experience! Throughout the fleet, a diverse range of perpetual trophies will be awarded to celebrate achievements across a range of age categories from Junior (U18) to Legend (70+).
Other trophies also on offer include highest-placed newcomer, first non-carbon mast, and the Pip Eagleton Memorial Trophy awarded for a particular demonstration of endeavour and determination. Generous support from Rooster and Allen Brothers ensures the Europe class can continue to recognize and celebrate achievements throughout the fleet.
The event marks the start of an exciting summer for the UK Europe Class, who will host the 2025 Youth & Master's European Championships at HISC in early July. The early entry deadline is this weekend, so make sure to enter now to join the 19 other Brits already signed up to compete against the best in Europe on home waters!
With 37 names already on the entry list and a perfect forecast, the event is shaping up nicely! There's still time to enter, with a weekend-only entry option for those who can't take Friday off work.
Stay tuned to the UK Europe Class Association Facebook and Instagram platforms for content and updates throughout the event.