420 Winter Championship 2026 at Draycote Water Sailing Club

Gill Xtremity 420 Winter Championship 2026 © James Self

The Gill Xtremity 420 Winter Championships, the first of the qualifying regattas for places on the coveted Summer Internationals Teams, saw a record 37 boats battling it out at Draycote Water Sailing Club, ranging from seasoned campaigners to pairings who were competing in their first major regatta.

On Saturday, the weather lived up to the forecast with a constant 10-12 Knots, gusting at times to around 20 knots.

Race 1 saw the long-term pairing of Joe Jones and Hennie Burlton secure a bullet, with the new, but experienced pairing of Neil Marsden and Merle Nieuwland (fresh from her success in the Youth Sailing World Championships) a close second. Race 2 saw this new pairing taking the bullet with the female pairing of India Eastwood and Isla Fletcher in hot pursuit. The tight competition at the top continued for the remaining two races on Saturday, with Harry George and Olivia Creasey picking up a first and a second, and Joe and Hennie getting a second bullet.

Gill Xtremity 420 Winter Championship 2026 - photo © James Self

Saturday evening social was organised by the sailors at the local golfing driving range where numerous balls were hit into the yonder being tracked by technology. Food and drink were available providing a relaxed setting for the sailors to socialise.

Sunday saw the sailors launch in lighter winds, although the wind filled in as the Race Officer Matt Rowley completed three good races to complete the series of seven races.

India and Isla got off to a flying start, holding off the boats of Pat Bromilow / Thomas Kelsall, and Hugo Fletcher / Alex Flint. Race 6 saw the tussle at the top continue between Neil and Joe, with Neil pipping Joe and Hennie to take the honors, leaving everything to play for in the last race. A match-racing duel unfolded, with Neil Marsden's 40+ years of experience shining through to leave the pair of boats finishing 3rd and 5th, giving Neil and Merle the overall Championship win. Firs place in the final race, and their first bullet in a major Championship went to Jessica Skelding and Chris Hampshire.

Gill Xtremity 420 Winter Championship 2026 - photo © James Self

Prize-giving was generously supported by Gill with prizes for the top placings as well as dry robes and dry bags picked out of the hat of all bow numbers without a prize. It was also great to see gender parity with 10 females and 10 males in the top 10 boats.

The next qualifier will be the Inland Championships at Rutland Sailing Club on the 21st/22nd March where all 420 crews will be warmly welcomed.

Thank you to Draycote Water Sailing Club for hosting, as always; a huge thank you to the class sponsors, Gill Marina and Xtremity, and to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this event so successful.

Neil Marsden and Merle Nieuland - First Overall, and First Mixed Boat
Joe Jones and Hennie Burlton - Second Overall
India Eastwood and Isla Fletcher - Third Overall and First Female Boat
Hugo Fletcher and Alex Flint - Fourth Overall and First Male Boat
Pat Bromilow and Tom Kelsall - Fifth Overall
Pippa Shepherd and Lauren Mecklenburgh - 1st Under 17

Overall Results: