Streakers set for record-breaking Golden Jubilee Nationals at Rutland SC
by Neil Firth 2 May 2025 14:18 BST
11-13 July 2025
Start of race 4 on day 2 of the 2024 Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Stone Sailing Club © Paul Sanwell / OPP
The Streaker Class is set to smash their Nationals attendance record when they gather at Rutland Water in July for the Noble Marine Streaker Golden Jubilee National Championships. With more than two months still to go, an amazing 92 boats have already entered to take advantage of the Hartley Boats sponsored Early Bird entry fee!
The Streaker is enjoying a significant surge in popularity which is underpinned by several years of growing Nationals attendance. 51 boats at Grafham Water in 2023 saw a return to attendance levels last seen at the 40th anniversary in 2015. This came off the back of the 'Rooster Years' (2008-2014) when Steve Cockerill, five times National Champion, was actively involved in the class.
Following on from Grafham in 2023, 62 Streakers travelled to Stone SC in 2024 for their biggest Nationals so far - a figure set to be eclipsed by this year's Golden Jubilee event.
It's hard to put a finger on the reasons for this growth, but it is clear that people are enjoying sailing their Streakers! The growth can be seen at every level within the fleet. Hot shot sailors are joining the class to test themselves against the best, including ten times National Champion Tom Gillard, and they keep coming back for more! Meanwhile, at the other end of the fleet, the super-friendly Bronze Fleet are supporting each other and building confidence, knowing that they won't be made to feel out of their depth.
It is not a coincidence that Hartley Boats started to build Streakers in 2022. They have made no secret of their ambition to help grow the Class and they are certainly fulfilling the demand for new boats, producing around 20 Streakers a year. You might think that would free up some older boats for the second hand market, but used FRP boats seem to be few and far between and are quickly snapped up.
Of course, Rutland 2025 does have the added attraction of being an anniversary event. Aside from the championship racing, there will be a Golden Jubilee Dinner and, on the previous evening, a live band and hog roast. There are also daytime activities to attract Class members and partners not taking part in the racing, so it is set to be quite a party! For further information, check out the Streaker Nationals website at streaker50.wixstudio.com/rutland-2025.