Noble Marine Albacore National Championship at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club - Runners & Riders

2023 Albacore Internationals at Abersoch © Dave Whittle

With the Noble Marine Albacore Nationals at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club just under a week away it falls to me, in the time-honoured tradition, to take a look at some of the Runners & Riders for this event.

With entries already topping over 30, almost everyone is in reach of the overall podium places particularly with the usual 4 cans of beer for the first boat to the windward mark plus a top ten prize in every race!

Before starting I thought it would be good to ask AI just where the runners & riders concept comes from. It should come as no surprise that it is linked to horse racing although in our context the steeds are the thoroughbred Albacores whilst the crews are the Jockeys (of all shapes & sizes!)

I've penned this light hearted form guide in a number of categories starting with the Usual Suspects, the local charter Jockeys and finally some of the chasing pack. Apologies in advance if I've left anyone out or caused offence!

The Usual Suspects

Who can discount current National and previous International Champion Nev Herbert and despite hiss long time crew Lewis Fowler not being available he's chosen Daisy Floyd, a filly from the local club to crew for him.So long as they don't get distracted by the bright lights of Southend on Sea they are bound to be near the front. Lyme's Allan Tyler, crewed once again by his wife Chrissy and fresh from their success in the Albacore Southerns, will surely be in the running alongside current European and Inland Champions Judy and Paul Armstrong, another wife & husband team. (The Oxford Street shops are probably a bit too far away to cause a serious distraction!). Others in the mix include Shetland helm Steven Brown with his usual English crew Mark Fowler who are looking to go one better than their runners up position last year though they will need to avoid the challenge-ending capsize. Then there's the visiting American star, who has won it all in Albacores, Barney Harris who is reunited with long time crew David Byron. He'll have to pull back on the reins to stop the ugly OCS or UFD appearing on the score sheets! Dark horse, Peter Snowdon will also be up there if he can avoid the involuntary all night lock-in For his crew Carl, that's going to be a tough task!

Local Charter Jockeys

With over seven boats charted by local sailors or incorporating a Thorpe Bay crew there are plenty to choose from. Top Finn sailors Allen Burrell and Alex Farrell are both helming a chartered boat with Alex fresh from a second in the recent Hurricane Nationals and a win in the 2025 Albacore Open sailed on these very waters! Local knowledge could come into play, particularly around which areas to avoid in the local arcades and eateries! A previous Albacore Champion and member of the home club is Charles Devenport who is the local hotshot and renowned for his speed round the race track.and crewed by Mark Purden. Expect to see a few TBYC representatives in the top 10.

The Chasing Pack

There are plenty who could hit the podium including Class Chair and local boy Richard Smith with his long suffering crew, daughter Beth (if she can keep her dad organised) and Matt Thompson again with daughter Heather as crew in his new boat 'Plastic Surgery' (no, he's not a top Surgeon, just our trusted treasurer!).

Mike Banner has been pushing the podium this season but is sailing without Weed this time (the nickname of his performance enhancing crew, not the performance enhancing drug!). Then there's the Bartley Boys Jeremy Shinton and Harry Ashworth (travelling from close to Peaky Blinders territory) who won their club's open earlier in the year. Paul Gimson and his crew Helen Baines have been in the mix all year in their super fast boat Vitesse so don't be surprised to see them up there providing their centerboard remains intact! Also likely to be in the mix, though questions remain of 'Outside Assistance' is The Reverend Tim Coleman with daughter Joe Sankey (be extra nice to her - she's an eagle eye in scrutineering!). Last but not least is Phil Smith (alleged owner (but not user) of the beauty/hair products, Phil Smith Be Gorgeous) who can usually put together a good series, even though sailing with a borrowed crew this year.

Well that's enough of this horse play and be thankful if I've not mentioned you - you've got away lightly!

Let sailing commence on Friday 28th August and let the best Jockeys win! We plan to post regular updates throughout the event.