Contender National Championship at Mount's Bay Sailing Club - Preview
by BCA 26 Aug 11:33 BST
3-6 September 2026
Sunday start during the Mount's Bay Contender Open © Mike Greig / Dan Vincent
2026 sees the Contender class to return to Cornwall for the National Championship, Mount's Bay Sailing Club will be the host in the beautiful setting next to St Michael's Mount. The Nationals will take place on 3rd-6th September, giving the class another highlight event after a busy year.
The UK Contender fleet has had trips to Kieler Woche and the worlds at Medemblik in Holland so far meaning that there are many race hardened competitors out there as well as a few newer faces to make the racing unpredictable. With four days of fantastic sailing, welcoming après-sail and amazing sponsorship support, this event is perfect for all levels of ambition.
This year we are again lucky to have the support of our Builder Hartley boats as well as North Sails, Kingfisher ropes and Essex rigging.
Mount's Bay is a fantastic place to sail from with safe launching/recovery from the beach, we will be sharing the sailing area and bar with the always sociable Osprey fleet so why don't you come along and give it a go?
As for the racing, there are few drivers that might feature:
- Graeme Wilcox - the standout performer in the UK, 3rd at the worlds and Former World champ, heads up our rig R&D unit as a key part of the Netley Centre of Excellence. Other sailing commitments mean Graeme may not show, if he does, he is the man to beat.
- Simon Mussell - Another former World Champ and member of the NCOE - likes the breeze but can hold his own in the light these days too, time in the bar may dictate results.
- Stuart Jonex - If he can spell his name he will do well, every time you think he's lost it, he wins, the most irritating person to sail against but is properly good. Most Contender anecdotes include him somehow.
- Adrian Smith - Has started to win regularly, especially in the light to medium, makes very few mistakes and has strong boat speed.
- Ed Presley - Prefers the high winds but is trying everything to improve in the light. Lots of breakages show how conservatively he sails - rostrum or hospital.
- Gary Langdown - the ultimate battle is with oneself. Horizon job or recrimination. Only Gary can choose.
- Ben Holden - Does he still sail? Hardley seen but usually delivers, especially in breeze and waves.
- Tom Hooton - Has been untouchable, trying all sort of new sails, one of which will surely come good.
- James Spikesley - Another NCOE alum, has won a few opens this year, always performs well in the light but has added improved results in breeze that has put him into the conversation.
Alongside these well documented sailors there are a number of unknown quantities that we look forward to seeing, Nick Noble has returned to us from motorcross to save his spine, always quick just needs more time on the water. James Ross has joined the fleet and brings moth level pedigree. These, as well as 2-3 other new names only added to the mixture.
Entry is still open so if you have been sailing a Contender please come and join us, if you are looking to improve your skills, against some of the best around at a superb venue, this is the event for you. What possible reason is there not to attend? All of the details can be found here.
Now is the perfect time to get into a Contender, The UK will host the 2028 World Championships at WPNSA on 8-14th July. We expect 100+ boats from across the world. All details will be found here.