Graduate National Championship 2025 at Staunton Harold Sailing Club - Runners and Riders
by Fresh Abendstern 22 May 10:13 BST
24-26 May 2025
Saturday during the Staunton Blaster 2025 © Heather
With the Graduate Dinghy Nationals just around the corner, all eyes turn to the tranquil yet tactically demanding waters of Staunton Harold Sailing Club. This year's championship promises a closely fought contest, with a strong mix of seasoned campaigners and hungry challengers.
Here's a rundown of the front runners vying for national glory.
The main contenders:
John Clementson & TBC - G3009
The first name on the runners and riders list in the Grad fleet, John has won more Grad National Championship titles than anyone else. Crew to be confirmed, but anyone in the front of the boat is going to end up at the front of the fleet with John steering.
Fresh Abendstern & Ross Southwell - G3020
Current national champions, with 2 titles as a pairing under their belts.
They haven't managed to sail together in the grad since last year's nationals though - will this count against them or is it like riding a bike?
Brendan Lynch & Ellen Clark - G2839
Newcomers to the fleet, but not newcomers to the pointy end of a championship, Brendan and Ellen come from the RS200 fleet (5th at the RS200 nationals 2024) and have recently bought G2839 off Chris Parker.
The pair are fast, and the boat has pedigree. Will they triumph on their first attempt?
Emma Robertson & Hannah Whitham - G3013
Youthful exuberance, Hannah came 3rd at the Grad nats in 2021, and teamed up with Emma to win the GP14 Youth Nats in 2022.
This year they've been lent a boat which has been in the top 3 at nationals every year since 2018.
Emma hails from Swarkestone SC just up the road so they even have local(ish) knowledge!
No excuses, they should be up there!
Nigel & Liz Walbank - G2948
Experience.
Nigel won the nationals 50 years ago - probably before a lot of the current fleet were even sailing Grads! He's now back. Can he remember all his old tricks of the trade?
Best of the rest:
Bob & Maggie Murrell - G3027
The latest Butler built FRP Grad. Haven't seen it used in anger yet. Could be fast.
Chris & Chloe Parker - TBC
Usually towards the front of the fleet, but what boat will they be sailing?
Theo Holmes & Sophie Baines - G3018
Another newbie to the Grads, Theo owns possibly the prettiest boat in the fleet. The boat is quick, but are the sailors?
With a compact but competitive fleet expected, consistency will be king across the three days. Staunton Harold's tactical quirks - shifts, gusts, and the occasional weed patch - mean fortune will favour the adaptable. Expect tight mark roundings, rapid leaderboard changes, and plenty of sailing chat at the club bar in the evenings!
Who will emerge with the trophy come Monday afternoon? One thing's for sure - this year's Graduate Nationals are set to deliver drama from start to finish.