Xcellent celebrations as Torbay ramps up for 2027 Worlds

Earlier this month, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club (RTYC) hosted an event celebrating Team Xcellent’s victory at the SB20 World Championships 2025 and announcing the organising team for their own SB20 Worlds in 2027.

Henry Wetherell and John Pollard © RTYC

The SB20 UK Class Chairman, Paul Hine, who attended the event, commented:

"The SB20 Class was warmly welcomed at RTYC, as always, to help celebrate the recent achievement by John Pollard and his team winning the 2025 World Championships. Surrounded by family and friends, Team Xcellent bathed in glory and congratulations from all."

"Wish our tactician David Chapman could be here with us to share this unforgettable moment," - added John. "He did an outstanding job!"

Guests of Team Xcellent's celebration © RTYC

The event was a huge success with a fantastic turnout, celebrating the victory of one of the local sailing favourites and strengthening the bond between the SB20 Class and the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

John Pollard has been loyal to the SB20 Class in the last 15 years and continues to participate in all major regattas across Europe proudly representing Britain and his home Club in Torquay. We asked John what makes the SB20 so special:

“The SB20 is an amazing concept, - shared John. - Technical enough to challenge experienced sailors, but forgiving and manageable to welcome youth, female and master sailors alike. You don’t need a big crew or a huge budget to be competitive, which keeps the focus on skill and sailing, not spending. The SB20 Class does a fantastic job of holding it all together—creating a high-level, inclusive racing environment that’s serious on the water and social off it. It’s exactly the kind of sailing we love.”

Local hero turned international champion

John Pollard started sailing in the Torquay Cadet fleet in the early 1980s, during the time when there were no formal coaching or expensive equipment - just young sailors striving for success. After the passing of his father, it was his mother, a life member of RTYC, who encouraged him to continue sailing.

John has been a key figure at Royal Torbay Yacht Club for many years, earning a number of titles across different sailing classes. He has been recognised for his achievements with the prestigious Leeds Trophy Winners Board in 2008. This trophy was given to the Torbay Yachting Association (TYA) by Sir Reginald Leeds in the early 1950’s for outstanding achievement in connection with the sea and sailing.

John Pollard with the Leeds Trophy © Jean Border

Growing up and learning sail racing in Torquay, even after he has raced at numerous international venues, John remains certain that Torbay’s sailing waters are some of the best: “Torbay is a place to be proud of. I know, I’ve sailed at the rest", - reflects Pollard.

UK SB20 Class and RTYC: Looking forward

During the evening, guests were introduced to Phil Rumbelow, SB20 owner and the RTYC Committee Member. Phil will be leading the organisation of the 2027 SB20 World Championships at the Club. With his own history in the UK Class competing on Doris and the local knowledge, there is no doubt, that the event is in safe hands.

Phil Rumbelow, Bob Penfold and Adrian Peach (RTYC) receiving Club of the Year award

Paul Hine also shared: "The RTYC has a long association with the SB20, going back long before the 2011 Worlds were held there. The Club’s position and facilities, including a dedicated crane, make the 2027 SB20 Worlds a must for many sailors and one not to miss."

Many SB20 sailors will remember the Zhik SB3 World Championship 2011, when over 100 boats lined up for a spectacular week of racing in Torbay. John Pollard and his team finished an impressive 5th overall in that competitive fleet, perhaps, one of the results that became a foundation for his success in the Class.

With the SB20 Worlds returning to Torbay in 2027, the excitement is already building. Even if there are no SB20 events to be sailed this year in Torbay, there is a busy racing schedule for the UK Class in 2025. Still plenty of time for the UK fleet to to get into shape ahead of the 2027 Worlds to compete with top talent in the Class.

Will John Pollard defend his World Champion title in 2026 in Hyeres, where he has previously won ahead of local French talent, and bring the trophy to his home Club? The time will show! Meanwhile, don't forget to register for the Class events, which you can find on this page.