UK 29er Typhoon Nationals 2024 Runners and Riders
by Finian Morris 20 Aug 00:59 NZST
24-29 August 2024
UK 29er Typhoon Nationals © Digital Sailing / Typhoon
With less than a week to go until the most hotly anticipated 29er event the Typhoon 29er UK National Championships hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, several teams are lining up hoping to take the title.
New, old and unknown teams are all in contention. Amongst the 66 entries so far are a plethora of past National Champions and up and coming talent. In no particular order, here are a list of some of the ones to watch:
James Crossley and Sam Webb, GBR 5: Jolene,
James and Sam have been rapid all year since the launch of Jolene, their racing machine back in April. One prize they're sure to be winning is most orange boat, with several metres of flaming locks of auburn rope kindly provided by Marlow. Overall, solid contenders not to be messed with on home waters. When Jolene is singing, no one can compete with her, even their psychologist.
Ella Lightbody and Holly Mitchell, GBR 3224: Bumblebee V
Ella and Holly have tons of experience and local knowledge to back it up. Having been one side of previous Ladies national champions, this pair have the experience and expertise to push the front of the fleet on home waters. These strong all rounders should be ones to watch all week.
Finian Morris and Charlie Gran, GBR 11: Florence
Sometimes their machine 'and the craic' can be performing above all expectation:, 3rd at the Europeans and runners up at the Youth worlds this is a team that sets all the benchmarks. However, hanging around their necks with one crew mate is a rather heavy Btec and the other is a sure fire favourite for a number of other 'special' awards. If they can get past these distractions, they have one of the best chances.
Louis Hiscock and Ben Adler, GBR 2915: Roxanne,
Louis and Ben have been chipping away all year and now with a new main after leaving one "on the floor by the beach" (under the sea) at the Euros they should be even faster. Ben can save the most outrageous gybes and Louis can save the most outrageous chat for after racing (just don't ask him about his chess career). When they put on the red spinnaker, no one goes near. Will (not Jesus) Ben and everyone's younger brother ever reign in Lymington?
Annabelle Vines and Amelie Hiscocks, GBR 3079: Babs
Local boat and Typhoon team riders for 2024 Amelie and Annabelle will be in contention all week, particularly in lighter winds where they will be fast as lightning and possibly also kung fu fighting in the protest room! However, If the breeze gets up, shoulders popping and tiller extensions flopping could be their downfall.
Dirk Rogers and Will McEwan, GBR 2222: Desmond Tutu Tutu:
Another light wind rocket ship, with more household Olympic medals than your average sailor, Dirk and Will have local knowledge on their side and shouldn't be messed with. Will Dirk take advice from his knowing elders, or rule as a dictator? Dirk says, just like his hero lightning McQueen: 'Speed, I am speed'
Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfeild, GBR 2898: Robin:
If the wind gets shifty, these two Welsh demons will quickly shift into top gear and climb the leaderboard, rapid in the light and rumour has it they know what tide is...after the whole youth squad breaking their backs just to know there names, they are now considered as coaches choice and somebody told me there in the market for a new vessel (I don't think that's confidential). Jac says they "look good, feel good, sail good" - Don't blink, you might miss them.
Alex and Max Sydenham, GBR 2880: Delilah
Alex and Max may have relinquished their title for most letters on the scorecard in Aarhus but I'm sure they'll be looking to take it back with a bang next week. Now they're past the arguing stage, and now Alex has lost some easy weight post worlds, these two brothers (actual brothers this time) can be a force to be reckoned with when they're on form.
Ollie Vines and Olly Peters, GBR 2695
This reversable pairing is in strong contention, particularly for the highly converted crews race where they should excel. More local knowledge, particularly of the pubs, and a decade of 29er experience combined, they should be one's to watch on and off the water, but will they be left hanging behind the fleet, particularly after one member of the crew becomes an actual adult during the event...
Kitty and Lily O'Halloran, GBR 3351: Joxet
These Cornish/Irish sisters could cause an upset at the nationals especially in the light breeze, they are most definitely one of the fastest in the fleet. Rumour on the street is they even have some secret speed chocks, so secret that even they don't know about them. If they can rise from the shadow of their Father (who will no doubt be found propping up the bar) they have a good chance of success!
Others to watch...
Of course it wouldn't be a Nationals with our having a whole host of others to watch for who will be pushing the front of the fleet hard. The relatively new pairing of Dylan Creighton and Tristain Alheid are certainly quick, not to mention Charlie Gatehouse and Sam Tonks - if the wind is good this pair will also certainly be in the hunt.
One thing is for certain, there will be fantastically close racing on offer in this 66 boat fleet.