P&B Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy
by P&B 27 Jan 11:39 PST
24 January 2026
P&B Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy © Northampton Sailing Club
The P&B Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy has been held on an annual basis since 2002, with 2026 marking a significant milestone of 25 years of the race.
The trophy has always drawn in some of the country's best sailors, from Olympic medallists like Dylan Fletcher, Simon Hiscocks and Stevie Morrison, to a plethora of multiple World, European and National champions. Now in its 25th year, the event again attracted a competitive fleet to Northampton Sailing Club, with racing tight despite the chill.
The single-handed fleet had a fantastic showing of Phantoms battling each other. In the first race, a charging Adam Froggett showed the locals how it was done, ending the race as the first Phantom, but you are never safe in handicap racing. Simon Hawkes, travelling all the way from Weymouth, took 2nd in his K1, and the Aero of Craig Williamson took 1st.
With the wind increasing, the Race Officer opted for a long windward-leeward course for the 2nd race. A different Phantom moved to the front of the fleet, local legend Will Gulliver, and on this occasion he was far enough ahead to be awarded 1st after all the handicaps had been worked out. He was followed by the consistent Williamson and Hawkes.
Overall, the fleet was tight. Williamson's 1st and 2nd was enough for 1st overall, and Hawkes' 2nd and 3rd secured 2nd. Third place was close and went down to the last race to determine the position. With three boats all on 8 points, Gulliver's win was enough to secure 3rd. First Junior went to the ILCA of Luke Wilshire, who sailed very consistently all weekend with two 4th places.
Close racing continued into the double-handed fleet. The lighter winds within the first race didn't benefit the trapeze boats, but it would be a day where consistency paid off!
Leading the fleet was 505 National Champion Mike Sims and Archie Massey, yet again showing there was no shortage of talent within the two fleets sailing. Although being out in front, the handicap took its toll, and it was the strong Flying Fifteen fleet that capitalised. Ian Pinnell (not sporting his sling), sailing with Miles Odell, sailed a steady race and used the F15's weight and momentum in the lulls to take victory from another Flying Fifteen sailed by Gary Stuart and Mark Greer.
The 2nd race, with increasing wind, saw some changes. Tom Gillard and Rach Gray used their hiking power to take the race win, with Sims and Massey enjoying the windward-leeward course to take 2nd. Overall, again it was tight, with the top two both having the same results. With his race win in the 2nd race, Gillard and Gray narrowly beat Pinnell and Odell, with Sims and Massey 3rd.
The array of prizes provided by sponsors, P&B, was greatly received, from wetsuit tops and fleeces to keep the sailors warm, to hats, chocolate and prizes for every participating junior. It was also great to see so many of P&B's race team on the water and we appreciated the attendance of Jonny Mildred, Steve's 5O5 crew, who was on hand to present the prizes.
Next year will likely see a change in format, but the event will stay true to its roots, ensuring a day of competitive racing with a worthy cause at its heart.
About the P&B Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy
Steve Nicholson was a young, popular and talented sailor who died tragically after an asthma attack. He was a key member of the P&B Head Office team, running the busy Mail Order division and became well-respected throughout the UK sailing community.
Known for being a popular club member, always ready to help sailors whether they were new to the sport or experienced, Steve's passion for sailing and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The race has been held in Steve's memory to raise funds for Asthma & Lung UK (formerly Asthma UK / British Lung Foundation) since its beginning. Over the years, it has fundraised substantial amounts for important research into the condition.