PB20 II clinches victory at Royal Thames 250th as SB20's shine in mixed conditions

The SB20's were a late addition to the Royal Thames Yacht Club's 250th anniversary regatta. The fleet included no less than five family boats and a youth boat with a female helm as well as the usual masters, showing the broad appeal that the class enjoys.

With the current National Champion (Breaking Bod) and the first Summer Series regatta winner (PB Twenty II) racing, the podium was always going to be tight. Day 1 saw British 49er sailor Jack Hildebrand join Charlie Whelan’s crew on Breaking Bod, stepping in for Patrick Whelan who was doing navigation on a RORC Admiral’s Cup team boat. In light and tricky conditions, PB Twenty II showed the fleet what proper boat speed looks like with two bullets:

“Tricky conditions today with the light breeze,” - said PB Twenty II's helm Mark Gillett. “It was important to control the first beat from a good start near to Charlie Whelan and protect the favoured side of the course with the tide and small shifts. We had good downwind speed and snuck through to grab the win in both races.”

Phil Tilley on Tan Gwyllt sailing with daughter Rachel and Son in Law Chris Eames showed great boat speed, but a couple of bad lay line calls cost them dearly. At the end of the first day Charlie Whelan on Breaking Bod and Phil Tilley shared the other podium spots both sitting at 5 points. 

Day 2 was started with windy conditions of 15-20 knots and got windier as racing evolved. The fleet faced a good run across the Solent, crossing paths with other Classes sailing their respective race courses. The wind picked up to 30 knots in the biggest gust in the final Race 5. Race 3 was won by Breaking Bod, with PB Twenty II pipping Robin Kirby and team on Absolute Carnage for second. Jack Hildebrand has switched to crew for Annabel Whelan, where his skiff experience proved valuable in the choppy and windy conditions. In Races 4 and 5 Absolute Carnage showed fantastic upwind speed to take two bullets. Breaking Bod was second in Race 4 and PB Twenty II got a 3rd and 2nd in Races 4 and 5. The final podium on Race 5 was Tan Gwyllt's.

“That was a blast!” - said Mark Gillett about Saturday’s racing. “Champagne sailing conditions with three races in 20+ knots. Tough lumpy sea state upwind favouring the heavier crews on the 1.4 mile beats, with big grins and lots of hiking downwind, regularly hitting 16 knots of boat speed. We made a couple of mistakes downwind, and Robin and Charlie smashed through to share the wins. An awesome day on the SB20s!”

The fleet returned back to Cowes shattered, but ready for the marque event - the fantastic 250th anniversary crew party followed by spectacular fireworks. Thankfully the first start on the following day was not will 11am!

The final day dawned with light winds. Just two points after discard separated PB Twenty II and Breaking Bod for second and the same margin between Tan Gwyllt and Absolute Carnage. Three races were scheduled for the final day with 10-15 knots of wind and the battle commenced. The first race started in light choppy conditions with PB Twenty II and Breaking Bod swapping positions for the lead. A great layline call once again for PB Twenty II put them first round the windward mark, a position they never relinquished.

“Sunshine and 10–14 knots of breeze greeted us all on Sunday,” - recalls Mark Gillett. “It was going to be a boat speed day and Richard with Lucy crewing did an amazing job with the gear changes to allow us to stretch our legs and steadily pull away on the beats.”

In Race 7 it was a tight battle for the podium between PB Twenty II, Breaking Bod and Absolute Carnage. Including a 10 minute line up when the three boats neither gained, nor lost more than a length at time as they pushed for an advantage. This can not be replicated in training and will hopefully bode well for the UK fleet’s international performance.

“Close battles throughout the fleet as all the crews were sailing very well on Day 3 to keep the fleet tight,” - Mark added. “Really, really pleased to finish with two wins. The team on PB Twenty II sailed a great regatta as we continue our preparations for the UK Nationals in July and Europeans in August.”

PB20 II in effect led from start to finish so rounded off with a very well deserved win, to Breaking Bod followed by Tan Gwyllt who pipped Absolute Carnage to the final podium position.

"It was a great weekend of learning for all the fleet with many different crew arrangements on all the boats," - said Phil Tilley. "We saw many new faces across the fleet and the varied conditions highlighted the need to adjust for conditions and they all did exceptionally well pushing each other hard. Racing with my daughter on Fathers day was a real proud dad moment."

Overall results can be found here.

A number of SB20 sailors participated in the regatta - Henry Wetherell onboard Jelvis won the J70 Nationals and Will Sargent sailed in the Cape 31 Class, that raced in the IRC handicap. Overall, over 250 boats joined the celebration of keelboat racing in the Solent and marked a fantastic event. With so many fleets sharing the Solent, there was plenty of action on the multiple race courses - smart race management and well-staggered starts kept things running smoothly. The Royal Thames Yacht Club was supported by the Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Royal Southern Yacht Club in delivering this top-tier regatta both on and off the water.

Friends and family could follow racing from the Artemis Technologies foiling spectator boat and Cowes Yacht Haven was transformed into the race village with daily live music and a busy food court. The weather played along delivering all sorts of wind conditions and a glorious sunshine. The regatta dinner and crew party were the hottest tickets in town, serving up first-class hospitality in true Royal Thames style.

The UK season moves on with more racing next weekend at the Royal Southern Yacht Club for the 2nd Summer Series event, followed by the open UK National Championships in Weymouth in one month’s time. There is plenty of time to enter and even boats that may be available for charter or loan.

So, if you would like to join the SB20 Class, please let us know, whether you are a student or old hands, you will be very welcome! See our contacts here.

Words: Charlie Whelan, edited by Anna Zyk

Photo credits: Paul Wyeth and Anna Zyk