Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze National Championship 2025 at Pevensey Bay Sailing Club

Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

The 2025 Blaze National championship was held at Pevensey Bay Sailing Club over the weekend of 6/7/8 June. It was always going to be a special event - the class had seen both the oldest and newest Blazes on the entrant's list - Blaze Mk1, No.500 sailed by Pevensey sailor, Fiona Balkham, and Mk4, No.883 proudly shown off by Hartley Boat's own youth sailor Theo Holmes.

The racing itself was set to be contended vigorously with Ben Harden defending his championship title and standing to top the all-time greatest Blaze Nationals winners list with a fifth straight win up for grabs. Talented new Blaze blood, rising challengers and serial close-second's alike will be fighting for their own names on the trophy.

The very welcome arrival of Battle Brewery to Blaze Class sponsorship would ensure fleet spirits remained high throughout the extended weekend. Ale off-the-water each day for every racer, a bar-straining selection of kegs and many boxes of bottles for the prize table were all going to keep the class motivated to race hard and party hard. The Battle of the Blazes - a winning formula for a spectacular event both on and off the water.

Hartley Boats, in an extension of their generous annual sponsorship, had dropped a massive prize pot on the event this year with huge emphasis on low-end encouragement. Prizes for older polyester boats and the smaller Fire sail categories would be rewarded heavily, as well as the usual long list of Blaze Class rewards down the fleet. Thanks are extended to Hartley Boats for their exceptional ongoing support for the Blaze class.

The weather gods were not looking out for us with Saturday looking extreme to say the least. During Thursday evening's briefing between club and class reps, it was decided to reschedule racing and have 4 races on Friday - which looked promising - and with the expectation of not sailing Saturday.

Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Day 1 - Friday

Never trust the weatherman! To quote Michael Fish in 1987, "Don't worry madam, there isn't a hurricane coming". Well, it wasn't a hurricane but it wasn't far off. Initially it looked sailable and nothing like the weather forecast. PBSC sent out a RIB with a handheld gauge to fathom the conditions. The decision to go was made in light of a current 20 to 24kts of wind. However, onshore the wind continued to build and the gusts became more prominent.

The committee multi-hull left nearby Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour and anchored to establish if it could hold station and to gauge a more accurate wind speed. With half the fleet dressed and the other half en-route to the changing rooms the committee boat continued towards the sailing area but before clearing the relative shelter of the headland, redirected inshore reporting 30-32kts. PRO, Dick Holttum, then about-turned heading back to harbour putting the nail in the coffin of the day's sailing - a welcome relief for many nervous sailors.

The early decision allowed competitors to wander around the boat park and see what set-ups everyone had, make any tweaks and generally mingle. Some headed off to the local spa for a massage whilst others went for a run... and some enjoyed the opportunity to do very little. The Blaze Class Association AGM proceeded as programmed in the late afternoon, followed by a simple but delicious chilli dinner washed down with a selection of Battle Brewery ale and lager.

Day 2 - Saturday

Hoping that Friday's weather had blown through the day started wet with rain and was accompanied by comparatively little wind. The mood improved with opportunity to go sailing. However, as each minute passed the wind built.

The fleet launched into the relatively sheltered waters directly off Pevensey Bay Sailing Club aided by a superb PBSC beach team, and quickly encountered a big south westerly swell combined with a strong westerly wind with the gusts blowing away any remaining cobwebs.

Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Race 1: Set off with most sailors being fairly conservative on the start line, praying to be spared the bigger gusts that were a constant threat to upward-pointing masts. The PRO had laid a trapezoid course providing a bumpy beat feeding into a tight reach. Then onto the run with wind and waves behind and punching the tide. It was... terrifying! Some aborted the gybes and many of those brave enough to attempt them failed. The reach back to the committee boat was again fast and full of fizz. It was fast and not too much for the Blaze itself... if the helm was equal to it. The waves tossed us about but speed kept us on the straight and narrow.

At the first windward mark, the Porthpean SC duo of Alan Harris and Stacey Bray were split by Charlie Matthews with Aberdeen's Ian Pittendreigh close behind, conspicuous with his unique trampless hiking style. Charlie had taken the lead by the second run and ditched on the final gybe to allow Alan through to take the win. Finding his correct gear, reigning champion Ben Harden had ascended to second and Nick Ripley took third sailing the unhandicapped smaller Fire sail. Proving highly capable in the stronger conditions, many wished they'd hoisted their own Fires for the days racing.

Nick Ripley, 1st Fire at the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Mechanical failures had forced a couple of boats off the water and a handful more had returned by choice to cut their physical losses.

Race 2: Most set off heading hard left as the conditions appeared to settle. This was short lived as the next weather system headed over the course. Wind building, waves building, many capsizes were drawn from the fleet, but some skilful sailing was certainly on show. In close procession, Stacey Bray, Nick Ripley and Sheppey's Lee Marriott took the honours around the first windward mark. Alan Harris advanced quickly to overhaul Lee securing third on the reach. The following run was even more unstable than race 1. Lee hashed his gybe forcing him out of the running. Stacey conceded top position to clubmate Alan and Ben had crept up from mid fleet to pass the committee boat in third place by lap two. By the end of the third beat Ben had reeled-in and overtaken Stacey. Positions held for the remainder of the race - Alan, Ben and Stacey finishing respectively.

Lee Marriott during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

The race had taken its toll again. Several boats aborted, beaten by the conditions and dwindling energy reserves, heading (mostly unaided) for sanctuary ashore.

Race 3: The wind continued to build to survival conditions. Numbers diminished further, leaving the hardcore sailors to slug it out. The usual suspects of Ben, Alan and Stacey lead the way around with Pembrokeshire's Christian Smart finishing fourth - all evidently relishing the fierce competition. Special mention for Ian who'd posted his third top 5 finish.

Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Race 4: Abandoned due to unsafe conditions.

Back ashore while competitors nursed bruises with medicinal Battle beer, it was a chance to refuel with a wonderful PBSC BBQ spread. And then the dressing up. A 1940 VE Day celebration theme brought laughs aplenty with a majority fancy-dress participation - competitors, volunteers and visiting club members alike. PBSC laid on a swinging trio of good-time, old-time singers and had decorated the clubhouse in Union Jacks to help recreate that 'feel good factor of victory'. The official entertainment continued with the riotous 'Sheppey Raffle' (robust stealing/swapping of prizes was encouraged - rules not included! - Cheers, Lee!) to raise money for the club and class association. In typical Blaze Class fashion, spirits were high and many stayed into the early hours.

Andy Whitcher during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Mark Cuthbert during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Singers during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Day 3 - Sunday

At least 5 different weather apps were used to gauge the day. The actual weather we could see and feel was good - the sun was shining and a steady 15kts was blowing. It was, however, forecast to build. The fleet set afloat in champagne conditions. Flat sea, steady breeze. Today, we had a different course to contend with - the reverse 'P'.

Race 4: Racing set off to a clean start. Ben, Alan, Christian and Lee all gunning towards the windward mark via different routes up the beat. Ben and Alan made it first by going right, closely followed by Christian up the middle and Lee had gone left. The reaches were made more enjoyable in a flatter sea but it didn't take long for the weather to change. By lap two the waves had started to develop making gybing more challenging. Ben took the win and Alan second, meaning it was down to the wire to determine the championship winner.

Stacey Bray and Ben Harden during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Race 5: Tired and battered bodies all got away cleanly. The waves had now grown to 1.5m and the wind continued to get stronger. Alan and Ben now engaging in a match racing game to stay ahead of one another. This allowed Stacey Bray to sneak ahead. Ben got in front of Alan compelling him to go make-or-break. Alan Broke! He'd missed his toe strap and summersaulted out of the boat near the windward mark. He recovered, chasing hell-for-leather to catch Ben who was lying in second. As conditions worsened risks were taken! The shorten course flag was flying meaning a reach to the finish. Alan had no choice but to try and gybe and come in hot with rights to take Ben. It didn't work, the gybe went horribly wrong and he capsized. Ben took second behind Stacey, with class chairman Charlie Matthews taking third, Christian Smart fourth and Alan in a championship-fluffing fifth.

Ben Harden during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

As the last competitor crossed the line the wind was in the high 20s with stronger gusts. The decision to abandon racing was taken just as the gauge hit 29/30kts and the 2m swell had returned. An early departure from the water was a relief for some and frustration for others.

Ben Harden of Burnham SC wins the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze National Championship 20205 on countback with one discard, making this the closest nationals ever. It also makes Ben the most successful Blaze sailor in the class's history with five consecutive wins. Congratulations Ben!

Ben Harden wins the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

The Blaze Class wishes to thank PBSC for their superb organisation and execution. The race team, safety team and beach team all going above and beyond. Special thanks to Kevin, the PBSC bar manager, who stayed to the end on both nights and was up the next day to help. What a trooper!

Principle Results:

1st - Ben Harden (Burnham SC)
2nd - Alan Harris (Porthpean SC)
3rd - Christian Smart (Pembrokeshire YC)
4th - Stacey Bray (Porthpean SC)
5th - Charlie Matthews (Royal Corinthian YC)
6th - Ian Piitendriegh (Aberdeen and Stonehaven YC)
7th - Nick Ripley (Paignton SC)
8th - Martin Gillam (Felpham SC)
9th - Malcolm Hutchings (Royal Corinthian SC)
10th - Russell Wheeler (Isle of Sheppey SC)

Winners at the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

1st Polyester - Matt Fowler (Pevensey Bay SC)
2nd Polyester - James O'Leary (Pevensey Bay SC)
3rd Polyester - Justin Pollard (Pevensey Bay SC)

Matt Fowler, 1st polyester hull at the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

1st Fire - Nick Ripley (Paignton SC)
2nd Fire - Martin Gillam (Felpham SC)
3rd Fire - Paul Tatem (North Devon YC)

Day 2 winner - Alan Harris (Porthpean SC)

1st Master - Christian Smart (Pembrokeshire YC)
1st Grand Master - Ian Pittendriegh (Aberdeen and Stonehaven YC)
1st Great Grandmaster - Pete Barlow (Burghfield SC)

Pete Barlow, 1st Great Grandmaster at the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

1st Lady - Alex Porteous (Royal Corinthian YC)
1st Youth - Theo Holmes (Carsington SC)
John Abbott Midfleet - Lee Marriott (Isle of Sheppey SC)
Endeavour - Hugh Kingdon (North Devon YC)
Most improved - James O'Leary (Pevensey Bay SC)

Hugh Kingdon wins the Endeavour Trophy during the Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Faff Award - Russell Wheeler (for losing (and replacing) his slot gasket)

Fancy Dress winner - Andy Whitcher (Pembrokeshire YC)

Battle Brewery and Hartley Boats Blaze Nationals at Pevensey Bay - photo © Petru Balau Sports Photography / sports.hub47.com

Overall Results: