The ultimate prelude to Cowes Week: Rovika SB20 UK Nationals 2026
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Summer on the Solent is always spectacular, but July 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster for the SB20 fleet. From July 25th to 28th, the ROVIKA SB20 UK National & Open Championships will descend on Cowes for four days of world-class racing, tight competition, and legendary social events.
The regatta features a Saturday-to-Tuesday racing schedule -starting with short sprint racing on Saturday and three days fleet racing until Tuesday. The timing allows the teams to leave their boats safely in Cowes after the racing ends, making it incredibly easy to stay for the historic 200th edition of the Cowes Week that kicks off on Saturday, August 1st.
A high-calibre SB20 fleet promised
This year the UK Class is expecting at least 35 boats on the start line! The entry list promises a high level of sailing. Leading the domestic charge is the reigning World and UK National Champion John Pollard with team Xcellent, alongside fleet stalwarts like Charlie Whelan on Breaking Bod, Paul Hine and Mark Gillett on PB Twenty II.
The Open title is highly sought after this year, drawing a brilliant mix of international talent. Serious competition is arriving from down under with 2025 World Championship runners-up Porco Rosso, led by the SB20 Australian President Paul McCartney sailing with 2023 SB20 World Champion Will Sargent. Alongside them - team Ares, helmed by the talented Eirini Marios, who was also a member of the Aussie winning team at the 2023 SB20 Worlds.
Also from further afield, the Class welcomes Daire O'Reilly, who leads the SB20 Singapore fleet and is entering with team The Incident (a name that surely encourages conservative sailing!) with a UK crew. We also cannot overlook the unstoppable Glasgow Kiss of Nils Razmilovic, who is also flying the Singapore flag on his boat, but brings a strong local track record.
Swapping his Hyères playground for something different this summer, the French SB20 president Ed Russo is bringing Skin in the Game to Cowes. He is joined by another formidable French entry, team Lynx, of Pierre Yves Lambert who is coming to get some serious training prior to the SB20 Worlds in Hyeres this October.
Offshore pedigree and Youth energy
Bringing world-class offshore pedigree to this year's fleet, now 25, the young professional ocean racer Ollie Hill is set to return for the ROVIKA SB20 UK Nationals. Fresh from battling the grueling offshore legs of La Solitaire du Figaro and last year’s Transat Paprec, Ollie will look to leverage his international fleet racing experience to master the tactics of the Solent:
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into SB20 racing with my mates Josh [Dawson] and Randal [Jackson]. Joining this year was thanks to gentle nudging from Charlie Whelan and seeing the great participation numbers. It didn't clash with any Figaro or Swan 50 sailing, so why not! It's some of the most fun sailing I do, and we definitely have our eyes on the [SB20] Worlds next year,” - Ollie said.
A strong contingent of younger teams will add fantastic energy to the grid. The Class is delighted to welcome the Radley College team back to Cowes after they survived a memorable level of carnage at last year's Cowes Week.
Also returning, after an unforgettable UK Nationals last year in Weymouth, is a Belgian youth team Sailing Betties - recently renamed North Sea Sailing Collective. Undoubtedly, after falling in love with the stunning English summer (and the excellent local beers!) this talented young team simply couldn't resist the sailing mecca of Cowes!
Radley College at Cowes Week 2025 ©Paul Wyeth and Sailing Betties at SB20 UK Nationals 2025 ©SB20 UK
Smarter racing with Vakaros technology
These will be the first UK Nationals to deploy Vakaros Race Sense technology. The UK Class recently tested the system at a smaller event and could immediately see how much it will benefit a larger fleet. By streamlining the starting sequence, the technology will save valuable time on the water, eliminate frustrating general recalls and get everyone back to the dock beers much faster.
Prestigious hosting venue
Hosting this year’s Nationals is the Royal London Yacht Club (RLYC). As only the second yacht club ever formed in Cowes, the Royal London was historically given the first Monday of Cowes Week as its official race day - a tradition it proudly maintains today. Known for its elegant Regency clubhouse situated right on The Parade, the RLYC offers unparalleled views across the iconic Solent waters and a storied history of top-tier hospitality.
The event is generously supported by title sponsor Rovika, ensuring every competitor receives a high-quality, branded long-sleeved top. Our friends at Sailing Chandlery are also along for the ride, providing excellent prizes for the winners alongside essential on-the-spot support for boat parts and emergency supplies.
Off the water, the social program is robust, featuring free beers on the dock, a sizzling barbecue night, a dedicated barrel of beer on Monday and the fleet's famous after-hours dock parties.
Cowes Week 2025 SB20 Dock Party
See you on the starting line!
The entire event serves as an exquisite prelude to a historic week of sailing. The UK Class President Charlie Whelan will be on the water sailing with Solent regular Craig Burlton, a well-known name in the SB20 fleet who has lifted SB20 trophies with Gill Race Team back in the day. Charlie shares a final invite for the fleet:
“So many top SB20 sailors will be in Cowes this July and there is still time to join! The UK Class has a small, but superb selection of pre-loved boats for purchase. Also some competitive charter options for those who want a simple arrive-and-sail experience. Extend your stay, make it a double-header and sail at the 200th Cowes Week. It is going to be extra special this year with the legendary celebratory fireworks officially back on the agenda. This is the best British sailing and it's unmissable!”
Link to the event: https://www.sb20.org.uk/2026-nationals-rlyc-cowes
SB20 Nationals on the RLYC website: https://www.rlyc.org.uk/event/sb20-nationals
For boat purchase and charter, please email: office@sb20.org.uk
Title image: SB20 fleet racing at Cowes Week 2025 © Paul Wyeth
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