With some notable names missing from this year’s entry list, including current National Champion Matt Carter, it’s all to play for as the RS700 fleet heads to Torbay this week for the Noble Marine National Championship 2026. And what better stage for a championship showdown than the stunning waters of Tor Bay?
Royal Torbay Yacht Club is renowned for hosting major championships, with a large, open race area offering plenty of opportunity for the conditions to play their part. With the fleet racing just off the English Riviera, sailors can expect a challenging mix of wind, waves and tactics – and a venue more than capable of producing a few surprises along the way.
The RS200s have already had their turn, taking on everything that the iconic Torbay had to throw at them during their Nationals a few weeks ago. They’ve set the benchmark – but can the RS700 fleet match them? With the 700s bringing their speed and power to the same waters, we’re about to find out!
So, who are the favourites? Step forward Matt Conner, current RS700 Class Chair and, for the purposes of this article, our very own bookmaker! Matt has cast his expert eye over the entry list and produced the odds on the runners and riders so far. But with a few late entrants expected to join the mix, could a dark horse gallop into Torbay and upset the odds?
Place your bets (strictly for bragging rights, of course) and let’s see who comes out on top!
|
RS700 1060 |
Matt Conner Queen Mary Sailing Club |
First to enter the event shows a strong intent to put in a challenge. Always places well in the higher wind ranges. Currently leading the Rooster National Tour |
7:1 |
|
RS700 720 |
Richard Wadsworth Stokes Bay SC / RNSA |
Richard is known to push it to the limit and beyond. Revels in the windy stuff so should put up a good fight. Historic injuries to helm and craft could be an Achilles heel. |
5:1 |
|
RS700 989 |
Jack Grogan DSC / WMYC |
West Mersea’s whippet is strong across the range and will definitely have his eyes on a top prize. |
4:1 |
|
RS700 1055 |
Rob Higgins Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club |
Been there, seen it, done it. Very well placed to do it again. Showing strong Chairman potential. |
3:1 |
|
RS700 1020 |
James Clark CVLSC |
Despite moving his allegiance to the 800 fleet, Clark is back to give it another go. Equipped with a boat that’s known to be quick, James will be looking to challenge the front. |
4:1 |
|
RS700 1043 |
Jiri Kuthan YC Liskovec |
Czech hero Jiří is a regular face on the Euro scene. Has had a strong season of events in home territory so will be looking to capitalise on the hours put in. |
9:1 |
|
RS700 761 |
Thomas Dutton DSC |
Working his way up the West Mersea fleet and ready to stamp his mark on the Nationals. |
10:1 |
|
RS700 1063 |
Elliot Booley CVLSC |
Big Guns Booley gets faster every event. Silver fleet winner last year. |
9:1 |
|
RS700 966 |
Mike Banks DSC |
You can bank on Banks putting in a good result. Beating the other Mersea boys will be objective no.1. |
5:1 |
|
RS700 1041 |
Stephen Carr Brightlingsea Sailing Club |
After one-to-one coaching from Robbie Bell, Steve has unlocked a new turn of speed. |
11:1 |
|
RS700 827 |
Sam Caslin Dabchicks SC |
Sam’s athletic prowess means he’s nimble around the boat. This hot stepper will be equally keen to show his heels to his old 18-footer teammates, Jack and Mike. |
8:1 |
|
RS700 1044 |
Pete Purkiss Brightlingsea and Grafham |
We wish we knew his secret. Our Grand Master, Pistol Pete, continues to show us that age is just a number. Could his new tricks bring him the top slot this year? |
4:1 |
|
RS700 1049 |
Simon Hawes Queen Mary SC |
Simon’s been putting in the hours at home club QMSC to put up a strong challenge this year. Time to bring home some silverware. |
8:1 |
|
RS700 1036 |
Marek Dudak |
A regular visitor to the UK scene. Marek’s consistency always puts him contention. Showed great pace at Garda last year. |
5:1 |
