The National Solo Nations Cup 2014 at Riva Del Garda - Preview

There are five days until battle commences on Lake Garda and with 76 pre-entries, is building towards a truly memorable Championship. There are 43 UK entries, 31 Dutch, 1 Irish and 1 Belgium competitor and it is hoped we will reach 80 by kick off.

The cream of the UK and Dutch fleets will be there, here are a few to look out for:

• Charlie Cumbley, current National and Nations Cup Champion. The North sails jockey will be looking to defend the title he won in 2013 in Hayling Island and racing the North powered Sailboat 5.5 with the D+ will be hard to beat. Charlie has experience on the Garda waters having raced a Devotti D1 there previously.

• Pete Mitchell, Charlie's prodigy and possibly his nemesis (Matt Howard is his true nemesis but is coaching the UK Finns). Pete also uses the same kit as Charlie but may be using ST1 rather than 3DL sail technology. The son of David (fact, not biblical) won the EOS in 2013 and is clearly a talent.

• Mike Sims, sailing the P&B powered Winder/Superspars has won almost every major inland event over the last 3 years. Back to his best following a back operation and supremely fit (aerobic/anaerobic not the other sort of fit) he will enjoy the Garda chop, upwind and down.

• Tim Law, Winder/North 3dl is a consistent top flight competitor, with stamina to burn and a ferocious stare. Success runs through his DNA and the tricky salcombe backyard has honed his skills.

• Andy Tunnicliffe, Winder/Goacher sails/ D+ has also tasted success and came very close to snatching victory over Charlie at Hayling last year. Andy will be hard to pass on the long downwinds on the Italian lake and could well podium at the shake down.

• Ross Harvey, Boatyard at Beer/3dl/D+. Ross has just taken delivery of his new Boatyard Solo, the proven hull shape in the hands of Geoff Carveth last year and his vast experience in the Laser Radials and fitness makes him a major player.

• Ian Houston, Winder/3dl/D+. Ian has huge winning experience and won the event here in 2004 and finished 3rd here in 06. The Swiss based sailor should be fresh for the event with a shorter commute than the rest of us and as always will be fully prepared.

• Dave Mitchell, another with masses of experience of Solo sailing in his arsenal, the predominantly strong breeze should work to his strengths.

• Andy Couch, former Phantom National Champion and strong as an Ox. The Northern lad uses the Boon hull that has championship winning pedigree and will surely be in the mix.

• Shane MacCarthy (Ireland) has shown good speed and could be the surprise package at the Italian venue. Andy Davis is missing but these two have been thick as thieves and the 'Taxi' magic with the luck of the Irish is a potent formula.

• Hendrik Battiau (Belgium) Great to have an international flavour to the event and Hendrik will be sure to fly the flag proudly for his nation.

I have asked the Dutch for some details of their competitors but they are staying tight lipped about the sailors and equipment they will be using. Historically, the Netherlands have produced some great sailors who enjoy the big breezes in their homeland waters.

The 31 entries include Claar Van der Does and Marleen Gaillard, two ladies who showed good form in Hayling Bay last year. Peerke Kortekaas has proven championship success and the mountain that is Gerard Post will be hoping the Garda winds live up to expectations.

This promises to be an enthralling regatta, the venue spectacular and the après sail un-rivalled. The forecast is showing 30 degrees which should please the sailors and the spectators.

Look out for reports and video bites.