Noble Marine Marlow Ropes RS200 National Championship - Runners and Riders
by Bethan Matthew 22 Jul 2024 17:34 BST
5-9 August 2024
Noble Marine Marlow Ropes RS200 National Championship © Lee Whitehead / Photolounge
With just 2 weeks to go until the racing begins at this year's Wild West themed RS200 Nationals, it's time to place your bets! Bethan Matthew takes a look at the form.
Goldrush - Ben Whaley / Lorna Glen
Ben and Lorna are consistently on the pace and hunting the gold. They were 3rd in 2023 behind two teams who aren't attending this year. Can they run away with it this time having come so close previously?
Lasso - Brendan Lynch / Ellen Clark
Brendan and Ellen put on a great series last year in their home waters finishing 4th overall whilst also being highly involved in the organisation of the event. 585 miles from home this year, can your 2023 RS200 Person of the Year and 2023 Lovers Cup winners lasso the title this year without the distractions?
(Not their first) Rodeo - Hamish Walker / Emma Hivey
Hamish and Emma are veterans of the class and have been delivering performances at the top for a while. They last sailed at the nationals as a pair in 2021 where they finished 3rd overall behind two teams who are not coming this year. Emma was also second in 2023 and 8th in 2022.
Homestead - Henry Hallam / Ashley Hill
These guys are based 25 miles down the road so should be right at home in Mounts Bay. They are consistently knocking on the door of the very top teams having finished 9th in 2023 so it will be interesting to see whether there is a home advantage that plays in their favour. These guys are strong contenders for Youth champions.
Desert - James Hammett / Jess Hammett
This sibling paring won the "We are Family" trophy in 2023 and also finished 5th overall. They have deserted the circuit this year and have not been seen sailing their 200 outside of Hayling. They are ones to watch for the Family prize and will likely also be right up there in contention.
Buckeroo - Owen Bowerman / Annabelle Orme
Owen and Annabelle finished 6th in 2023 and you can never write them off. They are composed and versatile and are ones to watch for the Lovers Cup.
Cowboys - Alex Smallwood / Callum Farnden
These two cowboys make their way around the racecourse in salopettes but it doesn't seem to slow them down! Having finished 7th in 2023 and putting in some solid results in the lead up to Mounts Bay, it wouldn't be surprising if they pull an impressive series out of the bag.
Dark Horse - Matt Findley / Toby Lewis
This is a new pairing to the 200 scene but is one to watch! Toby finished 2nd in 2021 and has won the Endeavour Trophy 9 times so is no stranger to making a 200 go quickly. These guys finished 4th at the Summer Championships earlier this month and could be real dark horses at Mounts Bay.
Saloon - Ollie Meadowcroft / Cally Terkelsen
We expect these guys to be strong contenders for Youth Champions this year. Recharged after the end of the university year, they will be ready to hit the water and the dance floor.