Noble Marine Streaker Golden Jubilee National Championship at Rutland Sailing Club - Preview
by Anonymous Streaker Sailor 7 Jul 2025 21:56 PDT
11-13 July 2025
Tom Gillard is aiming for his 11th Streaker title at the Streaker Golden Jubliee National Championship at Rutland SC © Paul Sanwell / OPP
Over 100 Streakers are on a pilgrimage to Rutland Water this week for the Noble Marine Streaker Golden Jubilee National Championship. One of the front runners has sent us his take on the runners and riders... anonymously!
2025 is promising to be a fantastic year for the Streaker Class. It's been 50 years since Jack Holt put pen to paper to design the Streaker dinghy. The Class marked the occasion with a Tideway Race at Ranelagh SC earlier in the year, (Jack's sailing club and just yards from his old workshop). We will be celebrating once again with a record-breaking National Championship at Rutland SC. The event has attracted 106 entries so far and is generously sponsored by Noble Marine, Hartley Boats, Robline and Allen; all premium brands happy to give their support to the growing Streaker fleet.
Well, who will win this most prestigious event? 105 sailors will be hoping Tom Gillard is a little jaded from winning the Fireball Nationals and Salcombe Merlin Week. I think we all live in hope! However, it could be quite a show down. Dad Alan has to his credit 10 title wins, equalled only by his son. Match racing anyone?? My money would be on youth... or it could be a case of DKB... Dad Knows Best?
Last year's runner-up and previous champion Martin Penty will be on the hunt for another title. Also watch out for Giles Therkelson-Smith who won the U25 trophy and finished 4th last year. I'm sure he's only getting better and stronger.
What about Beaver SC? Not too many clubs can boast such a fleet with Steptoe and Son, Steve and Richard Hanby, leading the pack. Dave Borrett claimed glory in a Sailjuice event this season and obviously likes the big lakes... and then there's the resident comedian Stuart who could be a contender for a Silver Fleet prize.
Beaver won the team prize last year but watch out, Staunton are about! Pete Gray will be a threat, new boat, good results at the Fireballs and Merlins and will be leading the Staunton sailors. Alan Bennett, supporting, could be a prize winner in the Silver fleet while defending his Grand Veteran title from last year. Will we need a new category next year? Let's not forget the team's light weather specialist, Nigel Pepperdine.
Our ladies: Veronica Falat can never be discounted and, being relieved of admin duties, could be quick. But also watch out for the winning Merlin crew, Rachael Gray, who'll be on the start line challenging husband Pete.
No Silver Fleet prize for Lee Goodey this year, it's Gold Fleet for you son. Another chap from the south Dave Adams could do some magic but the forecast may not suit, with lightish winds predicted.
Ever heard of a Yorkshireman splashing the cash? Apparently the wallet has been opened in Leeds and Phil Priestley's moths have escaped! And don't forget a Southport bingo caller and part time DJ, Steve Blackburn - both will be at the front.
There are a stack of other sailors who will be in the mix and who will all do well. But waiting in the shallows, sorry shadows, Ollie Groves, Endeavour winner last year; I don't think I will be giving him too much trouble... must go, got to change a wheel bearing before I can even get to Rutland!
The Noble Marine Golden Jubilee National Championship runs from Friday to Sunday, 11-13 July, so watch this space to hear how the event unfolds.