By Sue Pelling, on August 30th, 2021 The opening weekend of Burnham Week 2021 (28 August-4 September) got off to a cracking start.
A gusty northerly breeze and classic, strong east coast tides made the Bank Holiday Weekend Series challenging but the 115-strong entry generally enjoyed highly competitive racing throughout the weekend.
In total 15 classes including a range of cruising yachts, local one-designs and dinghies, as well as gigs, stand up paddleboard, kayaks and canoes, supported this premier east coast regatta, making it one of the largest entries the regatta has seen for some years. It was also good to see the multihulls enjoying fast and furious racing for the MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association) three-day, class national championship.
MOCRA multihulls
 Blast off for MOCRA national championship winner NRB – photo Alan Hanna  Julian Linton receives the MOCRA nationals trophy from Stuart Bithell – Tokyo Olympic Gold medallist – photo Alan Hanna By far the fastest fleet, the MOCRA multihulls were first out the ‘starting blocks’ on Saturday morning and raced a course that took them to the mouth of River Crouch and back. It was six-hour-long day on the water with 15-mile course, which didn’t seem to phase visitors Julian Linton and team (Adrian Linton, Lloyd Turner and Ian Cuthberton) from Island YC Canvey Island. Sailing NRB a superfast F33 AXC this team revelled in the conditions reaching 25kts boat speed at times. They took a clean sweep of four race wins to secure the national championship title with a day to spare. Julian Linton commented: “It was our first major event and we are thrilled to have won. It was a fantastic two days of racing, in perfect conditions for our design. I would also like to say how grateful we are for the super helpful team at Burnham who really work hard to encourage newcomers to the fleet at Burnham Week. We’ll be back for sure and hopefully others will recognise what an amazing venue Burnham is for this sort of racing.”
Hot on their heels, although unable to make an impact in the processional conditions up and down the Crouch, was team Origami (Farrier 27) sailed by local hot-shots Nick Wood, Charlie Bird and Nick Geaves. A final race second place secured second place with an overall score of 11pts. Bird said the weekend was one of the best yet. “We had fun from start to finish and, although the wind direction and two-sail reaching limited our chances of making any sort of impact on NRB, it was all very close with great racing. The Caribbean themed rum party with turbo-charged cocktails on Saturday night was legendary and, to be honest, probably didn’t help our chances on the water either!’
Cruiser Class 1 & 2
Phillip Harbott and his team on Mantra (Aphrodite OOD 101) started the weekend well by clinching the Watson Cup from John Saunders and his six-strong team on Jeannie (Elan 31). Fresh from his second place on day one however, Saunders and team Jeannie took the top spot on the Sunday and won the Thalassa Trophy from Flynn Davies/Digger Harden aboard former Town Cup winner Jackal (J/92). Team Jeannie then went on to take a final race win on the last day, which was enough to secure the overall series.
Class 5
 Stephen Gosling’s SJ27 won Class 5 – photo Roger Mant Stephen Gosling and team on Grace and Danger (Hustler SJ27) scored two firsts on the opening two days and, although they won the series overall, their win was by no means easy. Daryl Mylroie and team on Eclipse (Maxi 1000) sailed impressively and although they won the last race and finished on equal 5 points, Grace and Danger with two wins, was deemed the overall winner of class.
Class 6
One of the most competitive fleets this weekend was undoubtedly Class 6 with its fine mix of interesting classes including a trio of Contessas (26,28 and a 32), and the super-speedy Andrew Wolstenholm-designed carbon-fibre Kite – Kate the Kite. Helmed by the legendary Keith Musto, and crewed by Law (joint owners), and Nick Peel, this snazzy, gaff-rigged, 21ft, lightweight flyer, really kept the fleet on its ‘toes’ but couldn’t quite outpace the MGC27 Ophelia sailed by Burnham SC members Richard Moore and Roger Tolhurst, who finished one point ahead with 4pts.
 Keith Musto at the helm of Ant Law’s gaff-rigged Kite – photo Alan Hanna Keith Musto, who won an Olympic silver medal in the Flying Dutchman in 1964, is now 85 years old yet has lost none of his competitive prowess. As as he stepped ashore this afternoon Musto commented: “It was great to be out racing this weekend and above all it was fun. The Kite is a really good design and sails well despite the small sail area. We did suffer a bit with lack of sail area in light airs, and when under the lee of the shore, but generally it is a well-balanced boat and goes well. Actually to me it’s very much like sailing a GP14 dinghy in the old days. Sails in a very similar way but just has a cabin.”
Looking ahead to next weekend’s Town Cup, Musto concluded: “I am very much looking forward to taking the helm again next Saturday for the all-important Town Cup. Obviously it depends a bit on the weather, but hopefully we’ll be there.”
RS Elite
 Startline action for the RS Elite class – photo Roger Mant With an impressive 10 boats the Elite class enjoyed super-close racing and, although most were local home sailors from Royal Burnham YC, it was the visitors who took control of the pack with Paul Fisk from Emsworth SC and crewman Richard Tucker in Legs Eleven who scored five wins and overall victory, while Bill Blank and Richard Turner in Oink Squeal from EYC secured second.
Local One Designs
Burnham Week wouldn’t be complete without local one-design keelboats not least because they consistently make up a large part of the overall fleet. They are also pretty, iconic, suitable for all sailing abilities and, most of all, extremely competitive.
The Royal Burnham One-Design, which turns 90 next year, mustered the largest local one-design fleet with eight boats and, as always, the fleet enjoyed close racing. Team Dallimore with Will Dallimore on the helm, were on top form this weekend on Mandarin but although they notched up two wins on the opening two days, a sixth on Monday’s final race was enough to relegate them to second behind Aquamarine.
 Stuart Bithell – Olympic gold medallist – presents Team Aquamarine – Angela Shephard (left), Matt Shephard and Sarah Hastwell – with the winners’ trophies in the Royal Burnham One-Design class – photo Alan Hanna Angela Shephard with Matt Shephard and Sarah Hastwell at the front end won the final race and eventually finished the series one point ahead of team Dallimore on Mandarin.
The Bank Holiday Weekend Silver Tankard is the main competitive attraction in the Royal Corinthian One-Design fleet true to form, the long weekend produced some top class racing. It was also a weekend of consistency with the top five boats finishing in exactly the same order on the first two days. Ahead of the game however, were Justin Waples and his team of Steve and Lizzie Rands aboard Cormorant, who won overall with an impressive three win scoreline. Sue Law and John Newcombe in Coralie took second.
The elegant East Coast One-Designs made a welcome appearance this year and, although only two boats in the fleet, Widgeon (Ian Wilson/Dan Hally), and Wraith (Jerry Mecoy/Mark Ellis) made the most of the challenging conditions. However, it was Widgeon that always had the upper hand, finishing with two first places.
Dragon
Although slightly down on numbers this year with just eight local boats, competition, as always in the Dragon fleet, was red hot.
Chip Cole with Nicola Hastwell and David Smith at the front end of Anarchy, enjoyed close racing throughout with Peter Marchant, Katie Cole, Noddy Norden, and Harriet Butler aboard Beauty and the Beast. However, going into the last race with one win apiece, team Beauty and the Beast sailed well, this time battling it out with husband and wife team Mark and Mandy Wade on Avalanche. A final win for Beauty and the Beast confirmed their overall win, with Avalanche second and Anarchy in third.
Hunter 707
Although the Hunter 707 class always attracts a wide range of ages it is great to see the younger generation in particular, enjoying the delights of keelboat racing in these versatile boats. With two firsts and two seconds to count, BQ (Billie Quinlan/Clare Dallimore) won the series by two points from early series leaders James Dallimore, Rory Munro, Mike Champion, Charlie Matthews, and Robbie Hooper.
Squib
 The Squibs turned out in force for the five-race series – photo Roger Mant The Squib fleet never fails to support Burnham Week and with 24 boats on the startline this weekend, it was the largest class on the water. With some taking the opportunity to use the event as a warm up to the forthcoming national championship, it was also one of the most competitive for this weekend’s David Eagling Memorial Trophy and Brian Waples Memorial Trophy.
As is often the case in such competitive fleets, it was consistency that paid off. With six points overall counting two firsts and two seconds, Spoof (Micky Wright/Alex Porteous) took the overall win. Guy Fawkes (Phil Aspinall/Howie Enkel/Marion Aspinall) who were vying for top spot going into the final race, had to settle for third overall with a fifth place to count behind Jono Brown Chris Dunn, Portia Hutchings, Marion Aspinall aboard Squiggle.
Dinghies
 Osprey fleet racing – photo Roger Mant A total of 25 dinghies took part this weekend with fleet racing for the Osprey Phantom and a Dinghy Handicap class. The Phantoms turned out in force with 10 boats on the startline mainly from Creeksea SC, just up river from Burnham. However, once again it was a visitor – Bob Portway from Royal Harwich YC – who stole the show with four first places and a third to count (7pts). Graham Dale-Jones with one win, in the opening race, and 14pts overall, took second.
The Osprey fleet is a long-time supporter of Burnham Week and although numbers, with just five boats competing, were down slightly this year, the quality of the fleet was high with visitors turning out from as far away as Coniston and Kielder Water. Robert Shaw from Kielder Water, who is no stranger to sailing on the River Crouch, triumphed once again taking the event with a day to spare, and finishing three points ahead of Alex Mamwell from Coniston Water SC.
In the Fast Handicap fleet, Eamonn Browne in his Sprint 15 from Creeksea SC enjoyed a battle royal with Bryan Haynes from Royal Corinthian YC sailing an RS Aero 7. They both finished with 8pts overall but Browne took the trophy with a last race win.
Other happenings
Over the last five years or so, gig racing has become an all-time favourite at Burnham Week and today’s racing was, once again, a huge success. Also, for the first time Burnham Week Ltd (BWL) – the event organisers – expanded the event to include divisions for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and river swimmers. This turned out to be welcome addition with spectators enjoying all the action just off the town quay after yacht racing finished for the day.
The Bank Holiday prizegiving took place after racing today with an array of silverware presented by Olympic 49er gold medallist Stu Bithell. Fresh from the recent Tokyo Olympics, Bithell honoured the crowds with his presence and was able to share some inspirational Olympic memories with Burnham Week competitors.
Looking ahead
Competitors are now looking forward to Midweek Series Points Racing, and
the final Saturday, which is Trophy Day. For classes that comply with regulations there is a chance to win the prestigious Town Cup. This is being run alongside the Houghton Cup (one of the oldest offshore races on the East Coast) in conjunction with EAORA (East Anglian Offshore Racing Association).
With nine race teams signed up including the likes of Richard Matthews’ flashy, new 52ft Oystercatcher XXXV, and Keith Musto on the helm of the Ant Law’s petite yet, fast carbon-fibre Kite, next weekend promises to offer plenty of excitement on the water.
On shore next Saturday spectators can enjoy the final day festivities including the annual Duck Race in aid of the Essex Air Ambulance. Tickets (or rather ducks) cost £1 and are available to purchase at all clubs and the White Hart pub. The event is scheduled to take place at 1100 from the pontoon at the Royal Corinthian YC.
In the evening prepare to be wowed by the grand Burnham Week firework spectacular, which blasts off at 2100.
By Sue Pelling, on August 15th, 2021  A slight change of pace for Sir Ben Ainslie in a Scow on the Beaulieu River yesterday – photo Julio Graham Sir Ben Ainslie made a guest appearance yesterday at the Buckler’s Hard 50th anniversary and redevelopment celebration regatta.
Ainslie, who was keen to embrace the spirit of the event, enjoyed a fun sail up the Beaulieu River in a Scow with the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott at the front end.
In sparkling sunshine and a light fluky breeze, they headed the fleet up the charming, winding river to Buckler’s Hard where celebrations began to mark the completion of the two-year/ £2m redevelopment project.
Following an afternoon of regatta fun, visitors and guests enjoyed a special awards ceremony hosted by Lord Montagu.
To mark the occasion Ainslie was presented with a certificate granting him the Honorary Freedom of Beaulieu River, while fellow special guest Sir Chay Blyth received his certificate for Honorary Freedom of Beaulieu River that was granted to him by Lord Montagu’s father at the original marina opening in 1971, almost 50 years to the day.
Ainslie said: “I just think it is really nice to be able to enjoy the water for enjoyment’s sake. It makes a real change from my professional sailing, which is all very serious. This is all about the grass roots and it doesn’t get any better than this particularly with such glorious weather.
“Beaulieu River is just stunning and I have many fond memories of being on this River, so it is really special to be here today.’’
Talking about plans to enjoy his Freedom of the River, Ainslie added: “I feel honoured to have been granted this privilege and to have a boat here one day would be my dream.”
 Sir Ben Ainslie enjoys a relaxing afternoon with the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott and Lord Montagu – photo Julio Graham Lord Montagu commenting on the occasion said: “It is impossible not to be aware of the huge feeling of goodwill amongst all the mooring holders. I don’t think anybody is here out of duty, we are all here because we want to mark this occasion and celebrate all that’s good about the Beaulieu River.
“Although I never doubted the redevelopment would be a good idea, we really didn’t know what obstacles we might run into, particularly environment ones. Thankfully everything came together surprising well. Yes it took two winters to complete and there was disruption and times when the current mooring holders were affected but today shows it’s all ended very well. We now have 66 new marina berths with larger berths to suit vessels up to 20m. We’ve upgraded all the electrical services, improved the Wi-Fi and have a new dedicated visitor area.”
By Sue Pelling, on May 12th, 2021  Dragon racing on the River Crouch – photo Roger Mant Burnham Week Ltd (BWL) is delighted to announce Burnham Week 2021 is now open for entry writes Sue Pelling.
This premier east coast regatta (28 August-4 September) at Burnham-on-Crouch traditionally takes place to include the August Bank Holiday, which means now is the time to plan that all-important nautical staycation.
Book your holiday at this east coast beauty spot with eight days of fantastic racing and prizes on offer for both weekend and mid-week racing. There is something for everyone at Burnham Week with a wide range of classes to choose from including spinnaker and non-spinnaker racing divisions. The day boat classes such as the Dragon, Squib, and local one-designs (Royal Burnham and Royal Corinthian One-Designs) always enjoy a good turnout. For the first time also, BWL has expanded the event to include divisions for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and river swimmers.
Annie Reid – BWL Chairman – said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all – previous and new competitors alike – to Burnham Week 2021. With so much on offer, never has there been a better time to enjoy staying on ‘home turf’ for a fun, family holiday in Burnham-on-Crouch. With plenty of local accommodation and camping facilities, and so many places of interest to visit nearby, Burnham Week 2021 is definitely one to consider.”
For a three-day short-break, the Bank Holiday weekend racing is hugely popular with not only the Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association (MOCRA ) but also dinghy fleets, which offer a series of weekend races for Ospreys and mixed handicap classes, or any class that can muster a fleet of seven.
The final Saturday is Trophy Day and, for IRC classes, includes a chance to win the prestigious Town Cup, which is being run alongside the Houghton Cup (one of the oldest offshore races on the East Coast) in conjunction with EAORA (East Anglian Offshore Racing Association).
In response to competitors’ requests Edwin Buckley – PRO – said he hopes being flexible will encourage wider participation in Burnham Week 2021: “Flexibility is a common request from competitors, and we are setting up to do just that. First starts will be at midday – some fleets are looking for one start each day and other fleets are asking if they can have two starts each day, midweek. The answer is: ‘Yes, you can’. We are going to be flexible and provide the racing each fleet is aiming for.”
 The Squib fleet is always well supported – photo Roger Mant Buckley was also keen to point out that, should Government restrictions and guidance restrict activities at the time, plans are already in place. “We have a great team ready to adapt our regatta format and any social events we have planned.”
As well as the competitive nature of this iconic family regatta, Burnham Week’s fun social reputation is legendary. As usual there are events lined up at all three clubs (Royal Corinthian YC, Royal Burnham YC, Burnham SC) throughout the week. One of the biggest events of the Week is Quay Day, a fun-packed day for everyone on Bank Holiday Monday (30 August).
By Sue Pelling, on October 13th, 2019 Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis fought back in today’s breezy conditions to secure the overall win of the Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy, for the sixth time and a record fifth time in a row, writes Sue Pelling.
 Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis collect the Endeavour Trophy for the fifth time in a row – photo Roger Mant In total contrast to the opening day’s flat conditions yesterday, the breeze was full-on today making it one of the most exciting final days seen in recent years with the results going right down to the wire.
After a relatively mediocre set of results from yesterday that included a couple of sixth places, Saxton and Lewis were on top form once again today and demonstrated their superiority on the Endeavour Trophy racecourse with an impressive 2,1,1 scoreline, which was just enough to snatch the title by just two points from James Peters/Maddy Anderson (RS200).
Chatting about his win, a delighted Saxton said: “Wining the Endeavour Trophy again is a great feeling. It was wicked fun out there and we sailed really well today.
“Given our results from yesterday, we needed to be low risk because although we were chasing it we didn’t want to count one of our sixth places. Our strategy was to be low risk on the start line then sail well and pick up places on the way round.”
 Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis enjoy spectacular racing in today’s breezy conditions – photo Roger Mant Ever the gentleman, Saxton graciously put today’s success down to the expertise of his crew: “Toby’s level of sailing is just unbelievable. Going up the first beat we are usually about fifth or sixth but by the top mark we are leading. Without doubt, I can put that wholeheartedly down to Toby.”
Having finished the day yesterday in fourth place, Peters and Anderson (RS200) were on fire today with an impressive performance in race one where they managed to hold off Saxton/Lewis and score their first win of the series. They followed up this with a fifth and a second finishing the day just two points astern of the winners and in second place overall.
“We are really happy with second particularly as we didn’t sail brilliantly yesterday. We had a few problems with our downwind boat speed in the light winds, which cost us a lot but in the breeze today we were going really well. Very pleased and it has been awesome sailing with Maddy at the nationals and at this event.”
With an overnight lead of just one point, Luke Patience – Tokyo 2020 Team GBR sailor and Olympic silver medallist – and Mary Henderson, knew they had a lot on today. The breezy conditions didn’t seem to affect them dramatically, given their weight disadvantage against some of the heavier teams, until the final race of the day. Up to this point they still led the series from Saxton/Lewis but a capsize in the strong building winds dashed their winning chances.
Patience commented: “It was looking good until our capsize today but nevertheless I think Mary and I have done ourselves proud, particularly with a storming day yesterday. It has been a great weekend’s racing and a pleasure to smash round the course with all the best sailors.
 James Peters and Maddy Anderson (RS200) winning the first race of the day – photo Sue Pelling Sam and Ben Whaley (Laser) continued to sail as impressively today as they did yesterday and, by adding two fifths and a second to their consistent string of results, they finish the series in fourth place overall. They were always in the top three at the windward mark and just seemed to get better and better.
Having sailed the Endeavour two years ago the Whaley boys said their aim was to improve dramatically. Sam commented: “We didn’t know much about the RS200 two years ago and finished middle of the fleet, so went away, made amends and it seems to have paid off. This time the aim was to sail consistently so we are exceptionally happy it worked out. The other thing is we are Laser sailors so we know how to hike, which was just a big advantage today. We also seemed to make some good decisions which made all the difference.”
 Smiles of success as Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis cross the finish line in the final race – photo Sue Pelling Nick Craig and Emma Clarke who are no strangers to the top end of the Endeavour fleet suffered a mediocre day yesterday were back on form today but couldn’t quite match the speed of the leaders and had to settle for three third places and fifth place overall.
Craig, who is known for his love of breezy conditions said: “As much as we would have loved a final windy race, it was absolutely the right decision to call it a day. As always it was a fantastic weekend of sailing and hospitality, and we look forward to hopefully returning in the future.”
Exactly as predicted, the big winds that had been building all morning arrived on cue in the closing stages of the seventh race so the final race of the eight-race series was cancelled.
Edwin Buckley, event director and race officer commenting on his decision to cancel the final race said: “With the wind in excess of 25kts as predicted, and forecast to increase further I felt it prudent to call it a day to ensure the safety of competitors and safety-boat crew.”
Overall Results (7 races, 1 discard)
1st Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis (2018 Champion) 17pts
2nd James Peters and Maddy Anderson (RS200) 19pts
3rd Luke Patience and Mary Henderson (Olympian) 21pts
4th Sam and Ben Whaley (Laser) 25pts
5th Nick Craig and Emma Clarke (B14) 28pts
6th Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey (Merlin Rocket) 29pts
 Startline action on a flooding tide – photo Roger Mant
By Sue Pelling, on October 12th, 2019 Olympian Luke Patience, and Mary Henderson (470) stole the show on the opening day of the Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy, with three wins in the bag writes Sue Pelling.
Light winds and a strong tidal stream resulted in challenging conditions for the 30-strong fleet of champion sailors but Luke Patience – Tokyo 2020 Team GBR sailor, and Olympic silver medallist – and Mary Henderson took control of the event, managing to hold off closest rivals Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey (Merlin Rocket) in the first two races. They won the second race of the day by one minute 49 seconds.
 Olympic sailor Luke Patience, and Mary Henderson take overnight lead – photo Sue Pelling Another impressive performance was noted in race three, in arguably the most challenging conditions of the day, when Sam and Ben Whaley (Laser) led the race and managed to hold off James Peters and Maddy Anderson (RS200) in a close race to the finish line.
Patience and Henderson were back on form again in race 4, in what turned out to be the final race of the day in slightly more favourable conditions on a course set on the River Roach. However, they certainly didn’t have it all their own way.
Serial Endeavour Trophy winner Nick Craig, sailing with Emma Clarke (B14) executed one of the best starts of the day at the committee boat end of the line and managed to sneak inshore out the tide. Patience and Henderson, Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis (Returning Endeavour champions), and Cliff and Bec Milliner (Supernova) enjoyed a fantastic short-tacking battle up the first beat.
At the close of play after an exciting finale it was Patience and Henderson who used their light wind expertise once again to snatch victory from Craig and Clark as they crossed the line. Saxton and Lewis took third and the Milliners followed closely in fourth.
As they sailed ashore this afternoon, Patience and Henderson were clearly delighted with their performance and said they particularly enjoyed the final race. Patience said: “We had a fantastic race with Nick [Craig] in that one. I have to say we are lighter so we are at an advantage. Tomorrow with a bit of breeze, he’ll be back for sure.
“In this sort of competition you take what you get at the time. The key thing is to win when it is your conditions; it’s a crime if you don’t. We knew we had to win races today because it is likely it will be full-on with more wind tomorrow. And I am sure the bigger guys will be rapid, so we are just pleased to have done well when we had the opportunity.”
Talking about their game plan tomorrow, Patience added: “We aim to sail smooth and steady and, if there is wind, we aim to keep the ‘stick in the sky’.”
Craig commenting on his performance today said: “Light winds are not our conditions really so we were pleased we did so well in the final race. Not so good in the others because we just made some wrong decisions.”
Talking about the level of competition, Craig added: “It is unbelievable this year. Having three or four Olympians here is amazing. I wish we could do this every weekend, it is fantastic.”
 At the halfway stage of the series just three points separate the top three boats, which means there is everything to play for in the final four races. Patience and Henderson with three wins clearly have the advantage but with more wind expected tomorrow and a host of premier league, adrenalin-fuelled sailors ready to do battle to secure victory at the 59th Endeavour Trophy, there’ll be no shortage of exciting competition.
In the meantime this evening, competitors are enjoying the full Endeavour experience at the annual dinner at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club where the solid silver Endeavour Trophy is on display.
Results (after four races with discard yet to come into effect)
1st Luke Patience and Mary Henderson (Olympian) 17pts
2nd Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey (Merlin Rocket) 18pts
3rd Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis (2018 Champion) 19pts
4th James Peters and Maddy Anderson (RS200) 22pts
5th Sam and Ben Whaley (Laser) 23pts
6th Ian Dobson and Matt Mee (Fireball) 23pts
By Sue Pelling, on October 11th, 2019  So popular is this weekend’s Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy (11-13 October), there is now a waiting list to take part writes Sue Pelling.
Despite the doom and gloom of the weather forecast threatening to put a damper on the 59th Endeavour Trophy at Burnham-on-Crouch, there are still a few hopeful competitors ready to step in at the last minute. Included on the waiting list, should a place in the 30-strong fleet become available, is Stuart Bithell former Endeavour champion, 2012 Olympic silver medallist, and Tokyo 2020 Team GBR 49er crew.
Fellow Tokyo 2020 Team GBR sailor, and Olympic silver medallist Luke Patience (470) is among the other champions signed up and ready to do battle in this weekend’s intensely competitive, and challenging eight-race, one discard, series in RS200s.
One of the biggest challenges the fleet faces this weekend is to break Ben Saxton/Toby Lewis’ recent domination of the event. Saxton and Lewis have won the last four events in a row (five overall) and if they succeed again this year they will match the overall record number of Endeavour Trophy wins – currently held by Nick Craig with six wins to his name.
Craig (B14) will also be on the startline tomorrow, with former Endeavour-winning crew Emma Clarke calling the shots at the front, so the stage is well and truly set for some top-class racing. Craig commented: “The aim of course is to improve our standing. In preparation I have lost a bit of weight and now weigh in at 85kg, so it will be interesting to see how we go. More than anything, I am really looking forward to some good racing because the champion line up is fantastic this year. We even have James Peters here again. He is now a bit older and wiser, so I think we’ll have a lot on our plate.”
Team GBR 49er sailor James Peters (RS200), sailing this time with Maddy Anderson, narrowly missed winning the Endeavour Trophy from Craig in 2011 so is keen to complete some unfinished business. He said: “I haven’t been back since then for one reason or another but it does feel a bit like unfinished business. It should be great fun and I am really looking forward to giving it my best shot.”
At today’s opening Investec-sponsored training session headed by Steve Irish – one of the UK’s leading dinghy racing coaches – teams had a chance to pick up a few tips, acquaint themselves with their boats, and fine tune their brand-new suits of sails supplied courtesy of RS Sailing and Hyde Sails.
 A mid morning briefing, and on-the-water session was followed by a video debrief back at the club this afternoon, and a summary of the day’s training, was particularly helpful to first-timers to the event, and those unfamiliar with the RS200 class.
Alice Davis (RS Tera Pro) sailing her first Endeavour Trophy said gaining an entry to the Endeavour Trophy is a great opportunity: “I am most excited about sailing against the really good sailors here tomorrow. I think we shall learn a lot. The only thing is I haven’t sailed an RS200 before so having Steve Irish here to help us rig and set up the boat today is invaluable.”
 Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey test out the conditions ready for the start tomorrow – photo Roger Mant Irish (pictured left, with Alice Davis), a former champion and Endeavour competitor, said the aim of the day was to get the fleet on the water to give them a chance to set up their boats for the conditions. “Although it was fairly windy today gusting up to 27kts, a total of 11 teams managed to get on the water for some useful practice.
“For many sailors here, this is the first time they’ve had a chance to look at an RS200 let alone sail one so, my aim is to ensure all the newcomers have their boats rigged correctly and have the correct tuning numbers for set up when they are on the water.”
Adding a bit of advice to fellow competitors, Ben Harden competitor (Blaze), and Sales and Marketing Assistant at Allen Brothers said: “I learnt to sail on the River Crouch, so I’m extremely excited to be able to race on my home waters against the best in the country. The Crouch is known for being very tidal and there are certainly tidal gains to be had. I’d recommend looking over some charts closely to find where the shallows are and keep an eye out for back eddies and tide bends, especially at the mouth of the River Roach.”
Looking ahead at the conditions for the start of the eight-race Endeavour Championship series, which kicks off at 1030 tomorrow, Edwin Buckley, event director and race officer commented: “Although we’ve had our fair share of wind today, the rest of the weekend is looking good. The wind tomorrow will be around 12-15kts generally from the south-south west and, because we are halfway between neap and spring tides, the conditions will be ideal for some really good sailing.”
Commenting on event in general, Buckley concluded: “I am delighted that we have a great competitor list, it’s going to be a very competitive weekend. I hope all the competitors are all looking forward to the 59th Endeavour Trophy as much as we are, it’s shaping up to be fantastic. The Corinthian, the Endeavour Committee and the sponsors have been working so hard to make it a special event.”
Confirmed 2019 Endeavour Trophy entries
- 2018 champions – Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis
- 2020 Olympian (470) – Luke Patience and Mary Henderson
- 29er – Oliver Evans and Will Jarman
- 420 – Eleanor Keers and Faye Chatterton
- 470 mixed – Jess Lavery and Alex Hughes
- 2000 – Jasper Barnham and Richard Thomas
- Albacore – Oliver Davenport and Georgia Booth
- B14 – Nick Craig and Emma Clarke
- Blaze – Eden Hyland and Ben Harden
- Cadet – Daisy Nunn and Harry Chatterton
- Fireball – Ian Dobson and Matt Mee
- GP14 – Sam Watson and Andy Thompson
- Hadron H2 – Jack Holden and Sam Mottershead
- K1 – Paul Smalley and Mari Shepherd
- Lark – James Goss and Chris White
- Laser – Sam and Ben Whaley
- Laser Radial – Jon Emmett and Arran Holman
- Merlin Rocket – Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey
- Optimist – Henry Heathcote and Kuba Staite
- RS Aero 5 – William Caiger and Catlin Morley
- RS Aero 9 – Liam Willis and Will Taylor
- RS Feva – Joey Taylor and Terry Hacker
- RS Tera – Alice Davis and Dylan McPherson
- RS200 – James Peters and Maddy Anderson
- RS800 – Luke and Emma McEwen
- Scorpion Peter Gray and Rachael Rhodes
- Streaker – Martin Plenty and Sam Waller
- Supernova – Cliff and Bec Milliner
- Topper 4.2 – Sam Grayton and Raife Piggott
- Topper 5.3 – Oliver Allen-Wilcox and Freddie Howarth
By Sue Pelling, on September 13th, 2019  Photo Sue Pelling With just one month to go until the Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy (11-13 October), entry has almost reached its 30-place limit writes Sue Pelling.
For the first time in many years response to the annual Endeavour Trophy invitation dinghy champion of champions’ event has been overwhelming, with organisers at the Royal Corinthian YC, and new sponsors Investec, looking forward welcoming the 30 dinghy class national champions to the home of the Endeavour Trophy.
Edwin Buckley – event director and race officer commenting on the event and the support of its new sponsor said: “We are very proud to announce Investec Wealth & Investment becoming a sponsor this year, we are all looking forward to working with them alongside our long term sponsors for this prestigious event.”
Among those already signed up to do battle at this annual event are Ben Saxton/Toby Lewis who are not only keen to defend the title they won last year, but who are also looking forward to trying to make it a record five Endeavour wins in a row. Another win would also put Saxton in a position of matching the record number of Endeavour Trophy wins currently held by Nick Craig who has six wins to his name.
Offering a bit of advice to fellow competitors Saxton says although winning the Endeavour is all about tactics it pays to keep things simple. “The key to success at the Endeavour is to work hard but keep the tactics simple. We don’t do anything special but we just try to keep the right side of the tide and wind, and pick a few boats off here and there.”
Having secured his Endeavour Trophy ‘ticket’ this year with a win at the 2019 B14 national championship, Nick Craig, together with Emma Clarke (former Endeavour winning crew), will also be preparing for some serious competition. Last year they were neck and neck with Saxton/Lewis so it will be interesting to see what approach they have lined up this year in an effort to break Saxton/Lewis’ recent domination of the event.
To ensure a relatively level ‘playing field’ for the diverse entry that includes youth, singlehanded and doublehanded sailors, the popular one-design RS200 dinghy is the chosen Endeavour dinghy for the fifth year in succession. For continuity competitors will also have the use of brand-new sails courtesy of RS Sailing and Hyde Sails.
The Endeavour Trophy eight-race/one discard series takes place on Saturday and Sunday on windward/leeward courses, and is preceded on the Friday by the Investec Training Day. Presented by Steve Irish – former champion/Endeavour competitor and coach – the training day offers competitors, particularly first-timers to the event, and those unfamiliar with the RS200 class, a chance to acquaint themselves with the boat before racing begins on the Saturday.
Those keen to support the event and join the champions after racing on the Saturday evening (12 October) are welcome to attend the grand Endeavour dinner in the Trophies Room at the Royal Corinthian YC. Tickets are available to purchase at £22.50 in advance from kate.knights@royalcorinthian.co.uk.
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