The Streaker fleet is heading to Sunderland Yacht Club this weekend to escape the worst of the latest heatwave... and to contest the Noble Marine Streaker National Championships. Here's our form guide, so you can place your bets before the event kicks off on Friday.
Glancing at the entry list, it's hard to look past three-times National Champion, Martin Penty (Beaver SC). On two of those occasions he beat Tom Gillard to the title so, with Tom away at Salcombe in his Merlin, there'll be plenty of people backing Martin to win at Sunderland 2026.
But don't expect Martin to have it all his own way. His biggest challenge is likely to come from Beaver's young(er) hot-shots, Ollie Groves, Richard Hanby and Giles Therkelsen-Smith. Ollie is an Endeavour Trophy winner; he and Richard both have top form in other competitive classes, Ollie in the RS400 and the 2000 and Richard in the RS300.
Meanwhile, Giles is a Streaker specialist, honing his skills against the super-competitive Beaver fleet at every opportunity. He knows he can take a race or two from Martin and at some point the Apprentice will become the Master!
You'll have gathered by now, we expect a strong showing from Beaver SC, with every possibility they could clean-sweep the podium. But who could spoil their party?
Two-times Nationals Champion, Ian Jones (Dovestone SC), has been out of the fleet for several years, focussing on (and winning) the ILCA Masters. He could be one to watch, especially as he's sailing the Gillard's Nationals-winning Streaker; no excuses, Ian!
We also reckon Pete Gray (Staunton Harold SC) and Steve Blackburn (West Lancs YC) could cause an upset, although they both have form more often as bridesmaids than brides! And how about the Broadstairs SC gang? Lee Goodey and Dave Adams should be competitive on the open waters of Seaburn Bay, as if it's their home event!
Elsewhere in the fleet, Allen Sailing will be supporting the Silver and Bronze fleets, helping to ensure competitive and enjoyable racing throughout the fleet. Wendy Jones (Dovestone SC) is our hot tip to take First Lady and probably Silver fleet honours, although Ceri Thomas (Broadstairs SC) and Neil Parkhurst (Beaver SC) may disagree!
The Bronze fleet looks wide-open, but if we had to pick a winner we quite fancy Stuart Burnett (Beaver SC). A couple of other likely contenders for Bronze fleet honours are Ian Whitfield (Tamworth SC) and Sandy Mill (Shotwick Lake SC).
Of course the Streaker Nationals isn't only about the racing. The social highlight will be Hartley Boats Bingo before World Cup football on Saturday evening. The cup may (or may not) be 'coming home' but, for one lucky sailor, a brand new Hartley Boats Streaker mainsail definitely will be!
The Noble Marine Streaker National Championship runs over three days from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July. Our reporters will be there to bring you news of all the action as it unfolds.
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