420 British National Championship at Dale Yacht Club - Runners & Riders

420 Nationals © Jess Lavery

With the British International 420 National Championship set to start today at Dale Yacht Club, beginning in what looks to be very windy conditions, here's a run down of the boats to watch over the next four days.

Our current National Champions - Neil Marsden and Olivia Creasy look to hold onto their title and secure back-to-back wins, although plenty of competition will be looking to throw them off this target.

In their final event together before moving onto new partnerships, our youth national champions - Arwen Fflur and Matthew Rayner will be rubbing their hands together at the breezy forecast, hoping to once again beat the fleet in the big winds. Not to be seen late at the socials... whoop says no.

Hot off the back of the international scene this summer, Joe Jones and Hennie Burlton are favourites to secure the top U17 place. After narrowly missing a medal in Greece, Joe sailed an impressive week at the RS200 nationals, winning the 1st junior helm. Will he be bringing home even more silverware this weekend?

Imogen Wade and Hugo Valentine also had a strong summer abroad securing a mixed bronze medal at the Open Europeans in Slovenia and are ones to watch... if they keep the mast above the water. Harry George and Ralph Cawthorne are another strong contender having splashed the cash on a new machine and looking very quick in foreign waters over the past month.

Renowned party animal, Oscar Cawthorne, our 2022 national champion, makes a return to the 420 fleet to challenge for the top spot. This time partnered with Will Fletcher off the back of his strong campaign with Ethan in both gold fleets overseas this summer. Finally, George Creasy after spending a summer coaching some top sailors, looks to conquer the 420 fleet this weekend having hired pro local crew Will Martin.

In contention for medals on the women's podium - Sabine Potter and Merle Nieuwland, our 2024 ISAF pairing - put in a strong performance to land a gold fleet position at the junior euros in Greece and are not to be written off despite their light weight in the windy conditions. Although, Noa Moskovitch and Gabs Burton will be looking to regain the top spot within the girls fleet to round off their campaign together having secured an event win at Rutland earlier this year. Do not discount former pairing Ellie Creighton and Bea Greenfield, who have partnered with Charlotte Beardsall and Tilly Brayshay for this event.

Finally, James George makes a comeback with Lauren Mecklenburgh in the driving seat. Their aim? To beat Hayden Sewell in at least one race.