Osprey Nationals 2016 Runners and Riders on Show at Mumbles

Martin Cooney and Peter Frith during the 2015 Osprey National Championships © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

With just a week to go until the 2016 National Championships get underway it's time to take a look at some of the key teams competing this year:

• Piers Strong and Phil Angrave in 1352 String Driven Thing: Runner up at last year's event, Phil has switched helms from Matt Burge to Piers Strong in a bid to reach the top spot. As a previous multi national champion in his own right the addition of Piers at the back of the boat bringing with him vast experience from the 420 class should ensure that they are in the hunt. Club results have been impressive in the new boat, one to watch especially if they keep their heads under pressure.

• Terry Curtis and Pete Greig in 1281 White Knuckles: This pairing came together at the beginning of 2015 and so far have proved almost unstoppable. Terry is already a seasoned professional in the OK class and is now regarded as one of the target men to beat in these machines as well, Pete has crewed for many top helms in recent years and brings a wealth of knowledge in tactics and boat trim making them a real contender. Just missed out last year and will be keen to make amends. Boat is the best it's ever been, these 2 are good in light and heavy airs. Terry is known to perform better after emptying the barrel of beer in the clubhouse on a daily basis.

• Martin Cooney and Peter Frith in 1290 Swiftwun: These 2 need no introduction, they have competed in and won just about everything that they have entered at some point in time and their experience is unsurpassed in this class, they are super consistent and able to find something extra just when it's needed, winners last year they will be there or thereabouts and if they can preserve themselves (not literally!) for long enough then they could easily put one over the younger teams. Regular Yoga and Ibuprofen will be essential.

• George and Harry Odling 1085 Infidel: This duo are growing in confidence and ability and have a very famous boat to help, new sails were noted at Mounts Bay where they showed that they can match anyone on the day.

• DJ Edwards and Adam Bowers 1198 Blue Moon: No introduction needed here for either of the crew, this looks to be a reunion that has the potential to turn predictions upside down. About as experienced as it gets the only things stopping them will be Adams knees! and the potential for the boat breaking. Great to see them back in an Osprey together let's hope the old magic is still there.

• Ben and Simon Hawkes 1356 Shippy Mc Ship Face: Hopefully recovered from the 505 world championships, this family duo are making rapid strides in the fleet, they have one of the last Mk IV boats and seem to have found the fast button, new sails were measured in at Weymouth... watch out for the monster kite, they will prove a handful at close quarters.

• Alan Henderson and Alastair Barrie 1316 Uzi Jane: This team from bonnie Scotland have been quietly improving over the last couple of years until an injury to Alastair put things on hold somewhat, now fully fit I expect them to be going for it especially if the breeze is lighter and tactics come into play more.

With many new names this year there is everything to play for and some surprises as well I'm sure, see you there, keep up to date on the club and class website and Facebook pages for results etc.

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