Pathfinder Homes B14 European and Global Championships 2026 - Overall

Pathfinder Homes B14 European and Global Championships at Torbay Day 3 © Royal Torbay Yacht Club

With the wind looking much lighter on the final day of the Europeans & the Open handicap, many were hoping for a strong Torbay sea breeze to build and shake up the leaderboard.

Race 7 got under way in a consistent, if modest, breeze in a similar direction to day one. Early initiative came from the newest team in the fleet sailing the oldest boat, GBR 711 Chris & Tash Pilling, who impressively rounded the first windward mark in the lead, closely followed by the championship contenders. The race officer and team did an outstanding job in tricky conditions, moving the windward mark significantly throughout the day to keep each beat fair as the oscillating breeze and pressure bands shifted across the course.

It was ultimately Harken (GBR 801), Nick Craig & Toby Lewis, who stamped their authority on the race, stretching clear of the fleet to take the win and further underline their credentials as the team to beat. Seavolution (GBR 799), Mark Barnes & Jack Kilburn, secured 2nd, with Wonkey Donkey (GBR 797), Mark Watts & Matt Johnson, close behind in 3rd. The Nude (AUS 800), Richie Reynolds & Lissa McMillan, led the Australian charge.

Pathfinder Homes B14 European and Global Championships at Torbay Day 3 - photo © Royal Torbay Yacht Club

Race 8 proved to be one of the most challenging of the series tactically, with significant gains and losses on every leg depending on how well shifts and pressure were read. Boats that positioned correctly could gain four or five places in a single beat, making consistency incredibly difficult. Night Shift (GBR 795), Amir Shamsuddin & Matthew Donley, judged the conditions well and combined this with strong boatspeed to finish 2nd. However, at the front it was once again Craig & Lewis who delivered, taking another race win. Exe-Asbo (GBR 789), Crispin Taylor & Dan Newall, demonstrated impressive pace throughout the day and secured 3rd.

The final race of the championship again presented a tactical puzzle, with no obvious side of the course and constant pressure variation across the race area. Despite the difficult conditions, Nick Craig & Toby Lewis showed their class and consistency, completing a dominant final day with three consecutive race wins.

Pathfinder Homes B14 European and Global Championships at Torbay Day 3 - photo © Royal Torbay Yacht Club

Their overall scoreline reflected that dominance; discarding a 4th place, they counted a string of top-three finishes to secure the European & Open titles.

Behind them, the battle for the remaining podium places remained close throughout the series. Wonkey Donkey (Mark Watts & Matt Johnson) finished 2nd in the Open overall and 3rd in the European title which discards the Aussie boats). Seavolution (Mark Barnes & Jack Kilburn) took 3rd in the Open and 2nd in the Europeans. The Nude (Reynolds & McMillan) showed flashes of brilliance, including early race wins, to finish as top international team in 4th in the Open.

Overall, the 2026 B14 European Championship & Open delivered a highly competitive and varied regatta. With nine races sailed, two discards, and remarkably tight racing throughout the fleet, success ultimately came down to consistency across a wide range of conditions. From light, tactical racing to more pressure-filled moments, Craig & Lewis proved the most adaptable team, combining sharp decision-making, speed, and race management to close out a well-earned and emphatic European Championship victory.

Pathfinder Homes B14 European and Global Championships at Torbay Prize Giving - photo © Royal Torbay Yacht Club

A well-earned lay day now provides the fleet with a chance to recover and prepare before the World Championship gets under way on Monday. However, the line-up will see a notable change at the front, with newly crowned European Champions Nick Craig & Toby Lewis not competing in the Worlds due to work commitments. Their absence leaves the door open for the chasing pack, with several teams now poised to capitalise and contest what promises to be an equally competitive and unpredictable regatta.

Overall Results: