International Contender 2018 British Championship - Runners and Riders
by Ben Holden 16 Aug 2018 13:09 BST
7-10 September 2018
Contender racing © Ben Holden
The British Contender fleet will assemble for their annual British Championship, which is being held at the picturesque Hayling Island Sailing Club, the event runs from the 7th to 10th September.
The British Contender Association would also like to thank the event sponsors, Hartley Boats for their continued support at the event and in the class as the new British builder.
This year's event includes FREE entry to the Nationals for under 25s and HALF price entry for any NEWCOMERS. It's time to look at the runners and riders who will be fighting it out to be crowned British Champion 2018:
- Graham Scott (3-1) – RYA
2018 European Championship Result - 5th
2017 British Championship Result – 1st
Defending British Champion is on form and if a title was available to win Graham has won it in a Contender in the past, a very consistent sailor who is always at the front of the fleet and is going for his 12th British Champion title.
- Stuart Jones (4-1) – Datchet Water SC
2018 European Championship Result – 14th
2017 British Championship Result – 2nd
Another former World Champion who has won everything in a Contender, a master in all conditions and will be at the business end regardless of the conditions. Says he does not know what he doing, but that's just mind games!
- Gary Langdown (6-1)– Highcliffe SC
2018 European Championship Result – 20th
2017 British Championship Result – 3rd
A British Champion in 2008, a really natural sailor and is always in the leading pack, on his day and conditions he's a world beater.
- Simon Mussell (6-1) – Highcliffe SC
2018 European Championship Result - 7th
2017 British Championship Result – 5th
Former World, European & British Champion can beat anyone in the world on his day, likes a big blow and waves to show his mastery of heavy wind sailing. He will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing European Championship.
- Ben Holden (8-1) – Halifax SC
2018 European Championship Result - 17th
2017 British Championship Result – 4th
From the North and has been around the fleet a while. Is it his year having come in the top four in the last four seasons, so will be in the mix if the conditions are up his street.
- Tom Hooton (10-1) – RYA
2018 European Championship Result - 16th
2017 British Championship Result – 6th
Youngest sailor in the fleet and is getting quicker each season but struggles with consistency over the wind ranges sometimes when the toys come out of the pram. Future champion!
- Nick Noble (10-1) – Portishead SC
2018 European Championship Result – 12th
2017 British Championship Result – 7th
A dark horse with great speed in a blow and had a great European Championship. Can he put it all together? If conditions are right he will be in the fight.
- Richard Batten (10-1)– Mudeford Sailing Club
2018 European Championship Result - 15th
2017 British Championship Result – did not bother to turn up!
Another dark horse who has return to his homeland after spending many years in Australia. On his day could be the champion if he stops fiddling with his boat. Watch this space!
Plus, you cannot discount seasoned pros all at 20-1 Ed Presley, Carl Tagoe, Adrian Smith, Robert Smith, Neil Ferguson, Dave Davies, Chris Boshier, Pete Noble, James Spikesley, Richard Franks and Rodger White at your peril! They're all could be in the mix.
The Championship will also be contested for the Female British Champion, this year the contest for 1st place could be very interesting with the current Female European Champion Fiona Collins and also former Female World Champion Liz Potter in the fleet at Hayling.
See you all there for another great event on and off the water.