Interview with Nick Craig and Ben McGrane

B14 Class legend 'Leaky' took the opportunity to sit down with Nick and Ben at this year's National Championship to discuss all things B14.

Leaky: Great to see you back Nick, why have you come back to the B14?

Nick: So the class is going to Lake Garda next year for the Worlds so it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Leaky: Ben. So you sail the boat so you can sell sails?

Ben: No, I sail the boat because I love the boat. I think it is a good crossover between a hiking boat and high performance skiff. It helps that we have done quite a lot of work preparing carbon wings and refitting boats for B14 in recent months teams (Laughter) but seriously the class offers a high standard of competition and a friendly fleet

Leaky: It is a good indicator for the class that you choose to spend time in the B14, Ben, when you have so many boats you do/could sail particularly when you spent a lot of time recently in boats that basically blur the sea!

Ben: (Laughter)

Leaky: So nick is it good to be back in the B14?

Nick: Yeah yesterday reminded me how good these boats are downwind. Just a great buzz downwind. It's just right, responsive steering and sensitive to body movements. It is just that perfect speed and crossover to high performance. The crew is also such a big part of the team in the B14 which adds another dimension to the sailing.

Leaky: So why don't more people sail B14s? What are your views Nick?

Nick: It is quite a difficult boat to sail. It is not easy just to jump in it and sail, it takes a bit of time. When I first started in one there was some swimming and it took time to learn. But once you learn the tricks and with practice it's like riding a bike.

Leaky: So persistence, practice and taking the opportunity to sail with and learn from other members of the class is key?

Nick: Yes as with any class, attending events to learn from others who know the tips and tricks is the best way to shorten the learning curve. The class is very open with advice and help.

Leaky: It's great to see 2 of the top amateur sailors in the UK enjoying the class. It is certainly good to see you on the water and to highlight the level of competition in the class. It is probably frustrating for the other top teams in the class but also encouraging that you are not having it all your own way and other people are winning races. It is a great indicator of the depth of talent in the class.

Leaky: The B14 class is focusing once again on raising our profile and it is great to see you promoting the class, Ben, as part of your regular P&B blogs.

Ben: No problem. I do my best to promote the class and with the experience P&B have we are well placed to offer advice and upgrade services to the class

Leaky: Thanks boys...time to get back to the bar!

To find out more about the B14 please visit www.B14.org or visit our Facebook group B14 Sailors.

Ben has been a recent member on the B14 scene helming to European and National titles. Nick Craig is returning to the class after a few years of absence as a previous National Champion.