North Sails Seavolution B14 Nationals 2025 at Mumbles Yacht Club - Runners and Riders
by Mark Barnes 27 Aug 21:29 NZST
29-31 August 2025
B14s during the Skiff Open at Stokes Bay © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
The B14s are heading to Mumbles in Wales for a rock and roll North Seavolution B14 National Championship. It looks like it could be a couple of fruity days to start with and then we'll need to see what the weather gods throw our way come Sunday.
The form guide this year is an interesting one as most teams are to the heavier side of the sweat spot. So will it come down to who has been secretly practising or will the usual suspects rise to the fore.
In the hot seat but not seen in a B14 this season are Wonkey Donkey (Mark Watts/Matt Johnson), reigning National and ex World champions. A team that when on the money, can put a decent series together. Question is will they be quick straight out of the box, or will the banana skin of no practise come into play. Bookies odds 5 - 4.
Right behind them and marginally so are two teams Dads on Tour and Seavolution/North Sails.
DOT (Josh Wilce/Matt Hollis), have they been practising, that is one we do not know, but they are the team that are hungry to close out the win. The cards are stacked perfectly for them, they just need to put a good series together. If they hit the ground running they could be hard to beat. Bookies odds 5 - 3.
Seavolution/North Sails (Barnsie/Jack Kilburn), having spent little time in the B14 as Barnsie has been off on other projects, managed to win a very windy Inlands and have proven they can get it round the course in honking conditions. Barnsie's track record over the years means they will be there or abouts. Can they get some sneaky practise in is the question. Bookies odds 5 - 3.
Dimelza (Peter Knight/Henry Hallman) a new pairing for the championships with this team being heavier than Peter's usual option, which should be a good thing for the event. Quick in the light to moderate, but might just light the touch paper in the big breeze. Ones to watch. Bookies odds 4 - 1.
WR Composite (Wayne Hancox/Claire Geoghegan), proven to be solid in the breeze and last year got on the podium in individual races. Could be an interesting each way bet. Bookies odds 5 - 1.
GBR 764 (Ben Lloyd-King/Jez Page) could be ones to watch with plenty of practice at Restronguet. Having not seen them on the circuit this year, they could be the ones playing the joker with the forecast. Bookies odds 6 - 1.
Going Out in a Blaze of Rory (Ali and Rory Moppett). One of the heavier teams that have been together for many years and can when the conditions favour them, turn the burners on and get a decent result. Will they put a series together. That is the question. Bookies odds 14 - 1.
Other teams that could be in the mix if the forecast goes lighter are Night Shift (Amir Shamsuddin/James Dawson), Trunky (Kathy Sherrat/Paul Roberts), Leaky's Bunk (Gerry and Leaky Fermor) and GBR 784 (Amy and Dave Roberts).
What is sure is that it will be a hotly contested series in mixed conditions, and a case of who can stay on the carousel and who will fall off their steads. It could be a tale of two halves and not over till it's over and the fat lady sings on Sunday.
Reports will be posted daily.