Mirror National Championship at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club Preview
by Nick Charles 20 Jul 06:45 AEST
25-28 July 2026
Mirror UK National Championship 2025 at Netley Sailing Club © Tim Bees
The UK Mirror Nationals is being held at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club in just a week's time (25-28th July).
The strength of the class continues as we build towards the world in Poole in 2027. The Mirror fits a niche of offering a different and / or complementary pathway into sailing, with parents and children now making up the majority of the fleet.
This means that while the people in the back have got older, those in the front are now as young as 4 - sweets and chocolate are an essential part of day! Good wooden boats are still competitive, but many of the fleet now have modern Winder FRP models. The resurgence of the class means that the Winder boats are in such demand, that they sell almost instantly.
This is the first time in many years that the Nationals is being held inland. This decision was taken for two important reasons:
- The class was looking for a Northen venue with a local fleet that would provide sheltered waters that fit the nature of the fleet with many very young crews.
- Last year we sadly lost Jackie Gebhard, who along with husband Dave, ran Trident for many years, and were fundamental is supporting the Mirror, and the Gebhard's are lifelong Derwent members. For many years they acted as kit provider, sail makers, spares providers, National / European champions and more importantly class stewards through multiple generations. The event will therefore also celebrate Jackie's life and contribution to the Mirror class.
There's three days of racing with camping is available at the club, which fits perfectly with the class's family ethos. Theres also plenty of on-site socials organised, so there's going to be a great atmosphere. Even with some of the class regulars missing due to other commitments, there are still almost 50 entries, an impressive total just a few weeks before the annual pilgrimage to Abersoch for Mirror Week.
With Ben McGrane not yet signed up, who has won the nationals for the last five years with Keria and Evie, a new national champion is going to be crowned. This does not however mean that the fleet is any less talented, and the front runner are likely to include...
Matt and Pippa Burge: Matt has won the Fireball Worlds, Euros and Nationals and the Ospreys multiple times and has been a driving force in the growth of the Poole Mirror fleet, where the Worlds will be held in 2027. He and Pippa are super-fast in the light stuff and the shifty lake conditions should suit their style. They were comfortably leading the Poole open until Matt diverted to complete a Triathlon on the Sunday. Fitness should therefore not be an issue.
James and Meris Date: Previous RS800 National / Euros and Laser Champion, James and Meris have been campaigning the Mirror for a number of years and have always been there or their abouts. Were 3rd last year and Won the recent Poole open and will be hoping for the wind to blow and super quick when it's windy. Guaranteed to be up there at the end of the week.
Ian and Ted Dobson: Another multiple World and National champion in Fireballs, GP14s and more. They were 2nd last year and still looking for that elusive championship win, Consistently quick across the wind range and some say the best-looking boat in the fleet. This year they have been at or near the front of every event and are currently leading the circuit.
Phil and Lucy Smith: Many years of Mirror sailing mean that Phil is always quick especially inland. They have already won Northens this year and are sure to be right up there.
Andy Tunnicliffe: Another well known face, often found winning in the front of Ian Dobson's GP14, amongst other boats. Can he get one over on his helm?
Matt and Albi McGoven: Have been 2nd and 4th the last 2 years. Matt's sailing this year has been slightly constrained due to his ever increasing crewing options, but they are sure to be quick and consistent.
Dave, Josh and Jethro Gebhard & Crews: As mentioned above the Gebhard's are out in force and have more Mirror experience between them than most of the rest of the fleet combined.
Outside of these main contenders, the entry list includes talent such as Paul Smalley, Neil Baker, Chis Robinson, Robert Forbes and many others.
Most importantly Netley are sure to put on a great events, with loads to keep both the young and old engaged, both on and off the water.