Noble Marine Solo class National Championship 2025 at East Lothian Yacht Club - Preview
by Will Loy 29 Jul 2025 21:49 BST
2-8 August 2025
Annual Regatta at East Lothian YC © Derek Braid
The best of the best are about to descend on the shores of North Berwick, the challenge awaiting is a potential 6 days of racing warfare to determine who will be 'Top Gun'. I will have a word with our team to try and procure the iconic baseball cap but competitors please note, our SIs strictly forbid any flyby of the race hut.
Some Statistics
This is the 63rd running of the Kempner Challenge Trophy, first won by R.Fowler at Brixham Yacht Club in Solo 356. The latest UK registered hull is 6135 indicating that we are on the right track!
It will be returning to North Berwick for a third time, previously won by Charlie Cumbley in 2009-2015 though I understand that he will not be going for the hatrick. Incidentally, we should have come here in 2020 but we all know what happened then!
The Championship has been contested at 31 venues, Hayling Island holding the record for 7 of them with Plymouth and Felpham closest on 6 each.
Charlie Cumbley has 9 National titles from Geoff Carveth (8) and Alec Stone (6) with Ken Falcon, Jim Hunt and Andy Davis on 4 a piece.
The Dutch have won the title 8 times, Pim van Vugt the victor in 2024 (Brightlingsea).
The Venue (what the website says)
"North Berwick, is a small Scottish Burgh which was given the Royal Charter in 1373. The town snuggles round two sandy bays, separated by a rocky promontory, where the harbour and the Scottish Seabird Centre lie back to back.At the harbour in years past, the grain and potatoes from the surrounding countryside were stored in the two granaries before being shipped out in small brigs. One of the old granaries now houses the E.L.Y.C. Clubhouse.
"Behind the town the volcanic cone of North Berwick Law rises 613 feet and if you have enough energy left after a hard day's racing, a climb to the summit will be rewarded by a panoramic view of the Forth Estuary and the Kingdom of Fife, and the rich farmland of East Lothian to the south.
"Offshore there is a necklace of the four islands, Fidra, Lamb, Craigleith and the most famous of them all, the Bass Rock. The volcanic plug rises 360 feet straight out of the sea with sheer cliffs all round. During the summer it is home to 100,000 breeding pairs of Gannets.
"Now there are only seabirds living on the rock, but it had a stormy past and the ruined fortress on the south side served as a prison for Covenanters and the later French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars."
I can vouch for their presence on Bass Rock, the locals say that if you can smell the poo then you know it's a good sea breeze.
The NSCA Social Events
Historically recognised as not being a particularly social bunch, I would suggest our demographic of grumpy old men is not far off the mark, 2025 marks a sea shift towards becoming the 'party fleet'. The venue and timeline of our opening ceremony has coincided with the Fringe by the Sea Festival, allegedly and according to their website,
"one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet."
Now I always admire ambition from a publicity angle but The Boomtown Rats headlining is a bit of a stretch, that said, many of the fleet will be either Rockers, Punks or New Romantics.
Sponsorship
Noble Marine, our trusted dinghy insurer are subsidising a number of functions through the week, I am sure these will be attended by all competitors and their support teams/carers.
NSCA top dogs Guy Mayger and Paul Davis have secured a number of supporting sponsors for the event and these include Zhik as clothing partner, Spinlock, HD Sails, KLG, CB Trailerstore, P&B, Impact Sails, Tunnocks and Stewarts Brewery.
There will be the Daily Prize Draw, every day at 9pm in the ELYC bar and that is not to be missed unless you are me as sadly, even though I share every moment on the water like I am living it I am exempt from winning.
The Usual Suspects
In my pecking order and subject to no late entry from anyone from North Sails:
Andy Davis
The HD Sails owner/driver is no stranger to major Championships and has 4 National titles under his belt, winning at Paignton in 2007, Mounts Bay in 2012 and 2021and Pwllheli in 2016. For those of you that follow patterns, it looks like a done deal. 'Taxi' has been campaigning his OK for a few years and is one of the favourites going into their World Championship on Lake Garda so this will be just a warm-up event but with a physique as muscular as a Butcher's dog and the tactical nouse only top Chess players command, he will be hard to beat.
Oliver Davenport
Unfortunately for Andy, P&B jockey Oliver Davenport is on a similar path to greatness and though it hurts to say, is younger, fitter and stronger, though in a fight I would always go for the Northerner. If there was any trouble I would hope it takes place in the Boomtown Rats mosh-pit. AI overview description is: "It's a space for spontaneous physical interaction with the music, characterised by pushing, shoving, and even some degree of chaos, but generally with an underlying spirit of camaraderie and shared experience." Aside from the music, that sounds like a standard leeward gate rounding to me.
Davenport came close in 2023 and closer still in 2024, only losing the title to Pim van Vugt on count-back and has the maturity and experience to reach the highest level here.
Mike Sims
Mike is putting together a late campaign after a successful stint in 505's, he was pretty useful between 2014-18 claiming some major wins and third place finishes at the Nationals in 2015-16-17 and is now back for another crack at the title. Highly motivated and as focused as a Formula 2 driver with a point to prove, one to watch on the score sheet.
Paul Davis
Possibly a surprise package at the recent Xalient Nation's Cup on Lake Como where he finished just off the podium, our NSCA Vice President has the ability to compartmentalise his duties off the water enabling optimal performance on it. Paul has not disclosed if he will be racing his self-build, FRP constructed Solo but for sure he will be hoisting the Impact radial cut mainsail, it was quick straight out of the box, after he had slid the carbon battens in. No stranger to bullets or UFD's and that will have to be addressed.
Guy Mayger
Our Class President has shown glimpses of the form which got him 5th overall in 2018, 11th in 2019 and 6th in 2022 and 2023, therefore he is already guaranteed to finish inside the top ten. The HD Sails poster boy carries more rake than a 470 in full-on mode and will be one of the fastest upwind.
Chris Brown
Winner of the Inland Championship in 2021, Chris has been experimenting with the Winder MK 1 for this season. The jury is still out for me but if anyone can unlock the extra speed he believes it will provide then it could result in the podium position his endeavours deserve.
Harry Lucas
Possibly a surprise choice and no offence to the guys below him on my list but 'Youth is King' in this fleet and Harry is just a baby. The Grafham Water based sailor has been campaigning, quite successfully, a Flying Fifteen with Big Dave (his dad) and as you all know, the freedom to make you're own choices is both a release of the mind and easier on the knees (you can tack when you want). If the weather is attritional, expect the young gun to rise towards the top by day 6.
Chris Bunn
The Norfolk based sailor is still getting to grips with the Solo but has impressed in the few events I have covered, his 4th place and best Brit at last years Dutch ONK a highlight. If he can get off the start line in good shape and minimise personal injury, definitely top ten.
Andrew Wilde
Stablemate to Mike Sims, the Ogston based sailor is looking to step out of the impressive Sims shadow and into the podium spotlight. Calm and measured in his approach on and off the water, he has a good chance, especially if it is a mixed bag of conditions.
Tied 10th
Martin Honnor - Fierce and determined on the water, the smartest dressed sailor off of it.
Steve Denison - The Winder jockey always looks natural in the habitat that is the Solo and showed some improved form at the Xalient Nations Cup. Could top 5 if he starts well.
Kevan Gibb - The Scottish sailor, released from his caring duties can at last concentrate on his sailing performance and will be keen to rekindle the form that saw him finish 12th in 2009 and 14th in 2015.
Steve Ede - A serial top tenner and no stranger to the odd race win at top level so if it gets tricky, put him down for a bullet or two. Stick those in a 10 race series and it guarantees you a top 15.
Nigel Davies - Chris Brown's stablemate, has his moments and has saved himself for this event.
There are currently 43 entries for the Noble Marine Solo National Championship and though the field may be reduced, clearly the popularity of this Championship has sent accommodation prices through the roof, it promises to be a fiercely contested regatta.
Please do ensure that you and anyone who wants to follow this event, virtually live, joins the WhatsApp group event asap. I will be posting pre race interviews, on the water race action and post race analysis daily from Sunday 3rd August.
Class President Guy Mayger has some words...
Venue & Atmosphere
Having had to cancel the 2020 Nationals due to Covid, I'm super excited that the Solo fleet finally get to go to East Lothian Yacht Club (ELYC), for this year's Nationals.
The event promises a spectacular blend of competitive sailing and coastal charm. North Berwick, nestled on Scotland's East Coast, offers a stunning backdrop with its sandy beaches, historic landmarks like Bass Rock, and a welcoming seaside vibe. The town will also be buzzing with the Fringe by the Sea festival, adding music, arts, and entertainment to the mix. The Boomtown Rats are playing on the Wednesday, and we have arranged the social schedule around this to allow the aging punks and New Wave fans in the fleet to attend. Thursday's racing might be interesting after this! If you haven't already booked your tickets, they can be purchased at www.fringebythesea.com
Racing Conditions - fingers crossed!
North Berwick is renowned for its steady sea breezes and sheltered bay, making it ideal for dinghy racing. ELYC has prepared multiple race areas depending on wind direction, with the Elcho Green dinghy park providing easy access to launch zones. The eastern race area offers exciting wave conditions, while the western course features scenic sailing between The Lamb and Craigleith. With racing planned to start each day at 13:00 this will allow for a very relaxed start to each day and the best chance for the sea breeze to set in.
Logistics & Hospitality
The club's Beach Team and RIB crews will assist with launching and navigation, ensuring smooth transitions from shore to racecourse. After racing, sailors can unwind at the clubhouse with sponsor supported beers and sweet treats from Tunnocks! Oh yes
As always with the Solo Nationals, we will have a daily prize-giving at 21:00 in the clubhouse bar.
Race winners will be awarded their trophies, and the infamous random number draw will see our excellent sponsors swag dished out. Remember, you must be there to pick up your prize!
Bonus Perks
If we're lucky, we might spot dolphins surfacing alongside mid-race—though they won't offer a tow or Tunnocks teacakes, sadly.
Final Thoughts
With top-tier race management, scenic sailing waters, and a vibrant local culture, the 2025 Solo Nationals in North Berwick is shaping up to be one of the most memorable championships in recent years. Whether you're competing or spectating, this event offers a perfect mix of sport and seaside relaxation.
Jump on the event WhatsApp group to keep up with the latest info and our excellent race coverage from Will Loy.
Don't forget your tow rope!
Sailing and social schedule
Saturday August 2nd
Registration 10.00 - 1300
Equipment Inspection 13.00 - 17.00
Practice race/session 14.00 - 16.00
Sunday August 3rd
Registration 10.00 - 11.00
Equipment Inspection 8.30 - 10.00
Briefing in Marquee 10.30
Social schedule - daily prize-giving at 21:00
Sunday 3rd - Commodore's Reception sponsored by Fidra Gin 6.45pm in the ELYC Bar
Monday 4th - Solo class AGM - 19:00 in the Sail Loft Cafe at ELYC Clubhouse
Tuesday 5th - Noble sponsored class dinner - 7.30pm in the Sail Loft Cafe at ELYC Clubhouse.
Wednesday 6th - Free evening or Boomtown Rats at Fringe by the Sea
Thursday 7th - Noble sponsored class dinner - 7.30pm in the Sail Loft Cafe at ELYC Clubhouse.
Friday 8th - Free evening
Prize Giving - ASAP after racing