49er and 49erFX National Championships 2025 at Weymouth - Runners and Riders
by Billy Vennis-Ozanne 3 Sep 17:04 BST
4-7 September 2025
49er FX and 49er UK Nationals 2024 at the WPNSA © Optical Marine / Noah Fitzgerald
28 boats are descending on Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, the venue for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Events, for their 2025 Nationals. With 16 49er teams and 12 FX teams, they are looking forward to four days of epic racing in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour.
Racing kicks off on 4th September and concludes on 7th September with up to six races a day! Big week incoming for the crews.
49er Fleet
This year the fleet is stacked with talent, including Vice European Champions Will Pank and Thommie Grit looking to go one better than last year's Nationals! Amongst the 49er fleet there's a mix of BST big names, along with some new pairings and competition from the USA and IRL. Last year's champions Fin Armstrong and Ewan Gribbin are doubling their chances, sailing in separate boats - will they take 1st & 2nd? Stepping in from a coaching role to rockstar helm, Tom Walker pairs up with hybrid crew Sam Jones. Plus wildcards Ben Whaley and current Endeavour Champion Ollie Groves - it's setting up to be an interesting fight in the 49er fleet.
FX Fleet
Previous champions Ellie Keers and Jess Jobson are back to try and retain the title... who will be their biggest challengers? Looking hot at the moment are Bella Fellows & previous star cricket player Rachael Potter - will they be able to deal with the pressure?
Wildcards fresh from the infamous GB Kite Girls are Maddy Anderson and Katie Dabson. With glimmers of kitefoil pace, can they string it together in time for the Nationals? The full transition squad will be in action with three boats taking to the start line that have recently made the move into the FX. Plus pulling back previous skiff superstar Sam Webb into skiff land from the 470 to make up one of the two mixed teams.
The real MVPs
Big shoutout to all the volunteers who have helped get this event going - hopefully they all have a great time out on the water watching the action. The event wouldn't run without these people, so a big thank you to them.
Another massive thanks to the sponsors who have helped with the event running and prizes: Allen Brothers, Ovington and Marlow Ropes!
How to follow the racing
Racing results will be posted on the class social media each day, along with interviews during the event from 29er TV journalist hotshot Louis Hiscocks, getting the low-down from the sailors.
Don't forget
- Class AGM - 4th September, no earlier than 15:30
- Daily debriefs from the winning sailors - every day after racing, location will be in the WhatsApp chat
- Nationals Social and Allen-sponsored Quiz - 6th September, 19:00
- Prize giving - 7th September after racing