The organisers of the Endeavour Championship can confirm that Olympian Ben Saxton and Paralympian Niki Birrell will be competing as wild card entries in this year’s Endeavour Trophy to be held from 7-9 October 2016 on the River Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex writes Sue Pelling.
The host, Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, will once again be the base from which the competitors will leave in their RS200 class boats to compete in the ultimate challenge of champions.
Even though most of the competitors have sailed RS200s before, a morning of training and an afternoon of on-the-water sail training will be provided to refresh memories and bring all competitors up to speed with the finer nuances of this highly competitive class.
A total of 27 invitees – a new record number – will include Nick Craig (DZero champion), Hannah and Nick Smith (Miracle champions), Archie and Freddie, (Aero 5 champions) and Luke and Emma McEwen (RS800 champions).
As always, to ensure the racing for this Champion of Champions event remains as fair as possible, RS Sailing will supply each boat with identical suits of new sails and spinnakers, which will be offered at a significant discount to the owner of the boat following the event.
Edwin Buckley, event organiser commented: "We are extremely pleased to be using the RS200 boats for this year's regatta. As the racing proved last year, the pace will be fast and the competition will be fierce as the champions and Olympians fight it out for the ultimate trophy."
Nick Craig, six-times winner of the Endeavour Trophy commenting on the inclusion of the wild card sailors said: “It is really exciting to know that we are not only racing against the best of the best in the UK but now also against the best the UK has to offer the world.
“The range of top quality sailors, tight racing and excellent race management make this one of my favourite events of the year. I'm hoping for 30+ knots so I get to stretch my legs in a RS200!”
Although the Endeavour Championship is by invitation only for the national champions of the UK’s most popular dinghy classes, the organisers are keen to hear from any class association that would like to be considered for entry.
