Switch UK Championship set to begin at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
by Simon Hiscocks 25 Sep 19:04 BST
26-28 September 2025
Switch Global Championships at Fraglia Vela Malcesine © CodeZeroDigital
Less than two weeks since the completion of the Switch Global Championship, which is a long winded way of describing a world title before official international recognition, the first ever Switch regatta to be held out side of Italy, the British Nationals and European tour, will start on the famous waters of Portland harbour.
Whilst the shoreside of the affectionately named 'foil town' has seen significant evolution, the waters, which the growing switch fleet will graze remains identical to that witnessed by the forerunners to a foiling revolution that we are continuing to witness.
Heading back from Lake Garda was a successful and strong British fleet, with Finn Dickinson following up a winning performance at Foiling Week with a well earned bronze medal, Drew Barnes taking the first non pro title, our friend from over the Irish Sea Elysia O Leary taking another bronze in the Women's 7.5 fleet and Simon Hiscocks finishing second in the Masters category.
The question on most people's lips is 'can fresh water Finn handle some salt?' Is Drew going to have too leave early for another holiday, and will new comers such as Hattie Rogers and Bella Fellows do enough to get past Elisia's growing confidence and experience in the Switch?
Sam Whalley is a regular at the front of most dinghy fleets he turns his hand to, and will be determined to show his training speed and handling can, finally, be replicated on the race course.
Ross Banham is a likely contender, but there are some fast improving youngsters nipping at his heels. Matt Beck has nearly got over his hangover from the Youth America's Cup and is starting to show his potential, whilst James Percival Cook has the looks and style to fill a podium position, if not this weekend then some time in the future.
Less likely to feature in the lead, in fact he might not even complete a full two lap race, but you can guarantee that there won't be a single moment that Alistair Luxford hasn't got a smile on his face as he continues a steep learning curve getting to grips with the challenges that racing a carbon fibre Switch One Design provides.
The youth prize might be the most interesting battle of then all. Ben Anderson, James Crossley and Hugh Doyle all have the necessary skills and experience to push each other but don't be surprised if they also appear near the front at some point.
In fact the unique scoring format slightly favours the later parts of the regatta which might just hand the edge to the fastest improvers, it will certainly reward the fittest sailors.
The event is very grateful to some fantastic support from the class technical partners of Ronstan, Vaikobi and Element 6 Evolution, whilst the UK Switch dealer, Shock Sailing will be on standby for any disasters.
Keep an eye on the class social media pages and YachtsandYachting.com to follow the action as this event begins to unfold.