Nick Craig and Toby Lewis, representing the D-One class, have won the Endeavour Trophy for the 7th and 10th time, respectively, counting a 1st, two 2nds and an 8th, writes Sue Pelling. This super-tuned team kept their overnight lead when, in total contrast to yesterday's windy conditions, the lack of sufficient wind today meant the final four races were unable to take place.

While some may have been disappointed not to have had the chance to embrace their light wind skills, for Craig and Lewis, who are well known for their dominance in windy conditions, the race committee's decision not to even start a race in the patchy, unpredictable 3kts of breeze was a welcome one.

Mee and Martin sailed impressively yesterday and played the consistent game well. They ended the regatta with a 2,3,4,9 score and said they were delighted with yet another second place at the Endeavour

In third place overall after their respectable results from yesterday, which included two third places, were Parkstone SC members Ben Whaley and Lorna Glen (RS Aero 6). Their worst result (10th) was in the first race, but they bounced back and improved in each race from then on in.

Back in the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club this afternoon, competitors and guests attended the Endeavour prizegiving, where the winners, Craig and Lewis, were presented with the spectacular solid silver model, and the half model of the America's Cup J-Class yacht Endeavour.

Next year's Endeavour Trophy is scheduled for 4-6 October 2024

Overall Results (4 races, 0 discard)

1st D One - Nick Craig and Toby Lewis (13pts)
2nd GP14 - Matt Mee and Chris Martin (18pts)
3rd RS Aero 6 - Ben Whaley and Lorna Glen (21pts)
4th RS400 - Edd Whitehead and Karen Oldale (24pts)
5th WASZP - Sam Whaley and Larissa Connabeer (30pts)
6th RS Aero 5 - Tom and Tristan Ahlheid (34pts)

The 2022 Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy dinghy champion of champions that took place this weekend at Burnham-on-Crouch (7-9 October) was one of the most interesting on record with the overall winners not being decided until the final race writes Sue Pelling.

So close were the points going into the final race that it was difficult to predict the outcome. Even Morris and Fillmore (RS800), who amassed a score of 1,6,8,4,2,1 were surprised to hear the overall result, particularly as they scored their worst result of the regatta, an 11th in the final race of the event after an incident on the start line.

Having taken the overnight lead yesterday, Morris and Fillmore were unable to match the downwind speed of 2021 Endeavour champions Luke Patience, and Faye Chatterton in today's first race and had to settle for second place. The tables turned in the second race of the day (race 6) however, and it was the overnight leaders - Morris and Fillmore - who read the tricky, shifty, south-easterly winds well, and made the best tactical decisions in the strong flowing Spring tide to take the top spot. This left the ever-threatening Patience and Chatterton in second, and second overall.

Back on shore after racing this afternoon, competitors and guests attended the Endeavour prizegiving, where the winners Morris and Fillmore, were presented with the spectacular solid silver model and the half model of the America's Cup J-Class yacht Endeavour.

Plans are already underway for next year's Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy, which is taking place on 6-8 October 2023. 

Overall Results (7 Races, 6 to count)

1st RS800 - Tom Morris and Guy Fillmore (22pts)
2nd Returning champion - Luke Patience and Faye Chatterton (26pts)
3rd GP14 - Ian Dobson and Emma Hivey (27pts)
4th 420 - Ollie Meadowcroft and Oscar Cawthorne (30pts)
5th Osprey - Matt Burge and Rob Henderson (31pts)
6th RS200 - Arran Holman and Hayden Sewell (33pts)
7th Merlin Rocket - Christian Birrell and Rachael Gray (36pts)
8th D Zero - Nick Craig and Toby Lewis (39pts)

Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis fought back in today's breezy conditions to secure the overall win of the Investec-sponsored Endeavour Trophy, for the sixth time and a record fifth time in a row at Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

In total contrast to the opening day's flat conditions yesterday, the breeze was full-on today making it one of the most exciting final days seen in recent years with the results going right down to the wire.

After a relatively mediocre set of results from yesterday that included a couple of sixth places, Saxton and Lewis were on top form once again today and demonstrated their superiority on the Endeavour Trophy racecourse with an impressive 2,1,1 scoreline, which was just enough to snatch the title by just two points from James Peters/Maddy Anderson (RS200).

With an overnight lead of just one point, Luke Patience - Tokyo 2020 Team GBR sailor and Olympic silver medallist - and Mary Henderson, knew they had a lot on today. The breezy conditions didn't seem to affect them dramatically, given their weight disadvantage against some of the heavier teams, until the final race of the day. Up to this point they still led the series from Saxton/Lewis but a capsize in the strong building winds dashed their winning chances.

Nick Craig and Emma Clarke who are no strangers to the top end of the Endeavour fleet suffered a mediocre day yesterday were back on form today but couldn't quite match the speed of the leaders and had to settle for three third places and fifth place overall.

Overall Results (7 races, 1 discard)
1. Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis (2018 Champion) 17 points
2. James Peters and Maddy Anderson (RS200) 19
3. Luke Patience and Mary Henderson (Olympian) 21
4. Sam and Ben Whaley (Laser) 25
5. Nick Craig and Emma Clarke (B14) 28
6. Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey (Merlin Rocket) 29

Full results are here

Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis today added another three wins to their already impressive haul of first places from yesterday in Essex to win the 2017 Endeavour Trophy series with a race to spare writes Sue Pelling.

Going into today’s final three-race showdown, Saxton and Lewis were just one point ahead of Nick Craig and Holly Scott (D-One) but just minutes into the first race of the day, disaster struck for Craig/Scott when gear failure forced their retirement from that race. Thankfully a swift repair job to the gooseneck meant they were back in action for the penultimate race of the series.

Craig, six-time former Endeavour winner, admitted however, that even without the gooseneck failure he believes Saxton would have been hard to beat. “It was good to have won some races from him [Saxton] yesterday because it made it all a bit more interesting with just one point between us but when we had to retire it was pretty much game over for us. To be fair to Ben, he did the business. He was going fast and it would have been tough for us to break his domination.”Endeavour hat trick for Saxton and Lewis – Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis win Champion of Champions' event with a race to spare. Photo: Sue Pelling

In stunning summer-like temperatures and winds in the 16-18kt range, the 30-strong star-studded fleet enjoyed close tactical racing on the relatively sheltered waters of the River Crouch and Roach. As well as tip-top racing techniques required in the Phil Morrison-designed RS200, winning or losing was also down to gaining the best tidal advantage.

Commenting on his overall win for the third year in succession a delighted Saxton, fresh from his Nacra 17 world championship win, said: “It was a difficult tactical day today, and it was important to chose the correct shore. Winning here is all about tactics and thankfully because we are quick we have the advantage of having tactical options. Given the one point margin going into today’s race we always had to keep one eye on Nick and Holly. We were enjoying close racing with them in the first race, and feeling good after tacking on them and overtaking them halfway up the first beat but then their gooseneck broke, which was a shame for them.

“It was really tough this year and we had to really work very hard so I was glad to have someone like Toby at the front of the boat to make me look very good. He is a superstar.”

Lewis the supercrew, who by winning his seventh Endeavour Trophy today has now broken the event’s winning record, spoke highly of the event: Lewis added: “Coming to this event is the highlight of the year because the standard is so high with everyone a national champion. I would like to thank the Royal Corinthian YC for organising such a great event both on and off the water, and all the effort that goes on behind the scenes. It really is a special event and we always feel honoured to be part of it.”

Although Saxton and Lewis ultimately won every race, it wasn’t a complete walk over by any means, particularly in the second race of the day (race 7) when Steve and Sarah Cockerill (2000) sailed impressively to hang onto the lead for the majority of the race. Despite finishing 12th overall, a delighted Cockerill commented: “He [Saxton] managed to nibble me at the top mark on the second beat. He just managed to get inside us and because he was unquestionably quicker than us downwind we were unable to take him back.”

Roger and Jane Gilbert (International 14) quietly but confidently sailed a really impressive series to see them take third place overall. A scoreline, which included three fifth places, a third and a second was the sort of consistency required in this highly-fuelled fleet. In fourth place overall were the equally consistent Jon Gorringe and Emma Clarke (RS400) who today sailed well and finished the series with a third and two fourth places.

The young brother and sister team of Bettine (14) and Jamie Harris (Cadets), gave an indication of what they likely to achieve in the future with their impressive display in the second race today when they led to the windward mark. They finished sixth in that race and were delighted with their performance. Bettine commented: “To cross ahead of Ben Saxton at the top mark was really amazing and quite nerve-wracking especially when we were crossing gybes with Nick Craig also. Bit scary but we learnt a lot about angles and the importance of keeping up the speed at all times.”

With eight races completed the fleet headed back upriver to the Royal Corinthian YC where the prizegiving marked the closure this unique, annual champion of champions’ series for the Endeavour Trophy.

Overall Results (after 8 races)

1st Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis (2016 Champion) 8pts

2nd Nick Craig and Holly Scott (D-One) 23pts

3rd Roger and Jane Gilbert (International 14) 34pts

4th Jon Gorringe and Emma Clarke (RS400) 34pts

5th Christian Birrell and Rob Henderson (470 m) 36pts

6th Ben Palmer and Amy Seabright (RS200) 49pts

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.

Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis representing the Merlin Rocket class are the winners of the 2015 Endeavour Championship after winning all eight races.

This is the first time in the history of the 55-year event that anyone has managed to achieve such an outstanding result.

The super-fast duo annihilated the rest of the 23-boat Endeavour fleet in the fresh conditions Sunday to add another four wins to their already impressive run of four wins on Saturday. The pair sailed faultlessly and managed to build up extraordinary speed both upwind and down on the windward/leeward courses and never once wobbled on the 'corners' in the testing conditions that reached 20 kts at times.

Even after mediocre starts on more than one occasion, Saxton and Lewis were always first round the top mark. Benefiting from clear air, exceptional teamwork, and supersonic boat speed, they consistently extended their lead often finishing well over a minute ahead of the next boat. Consequently they were never seriously challenged today, even by the likes of six-time Endeavour Trophy champion, Nick Craig and crewman Tom Pygall who had to settle for second overall, and Saxton's twin brother - Tim Saxton and Fiona Hampshire - who finished third.

Ben Saxton is currently campaigning a Nacra 17 for the Rio Olympic Games

Five-time Endeavour winner Lewis (34) who also makes history by becoming the Champion of Champions' crew for the most wins. -- Sue Pelling

Results (after four of eight races)
1st Merlin Rocket - Ben Saxton and Toby Lewis, 7 points
2nd B14 - Nick Craig and Tom Pygall, 17
3rd RS800 - Tim Saxton and Fiona Hampshire, 27
4th Firefly - Stuart Hudson and Hamish Walker, 47
5th Hornet - Rob Larke and Sally Wakefield, 49
6th Lark - Alan Krayling and Joe Hunt, 50p

#endeavourtrophy – Piping their nearest rivals to the post in the final race of the series was just enough for Matt Burge and Toby Lewis representing the Osprey class to secure the 2014 Topper Sailboats-supported UK Endeavour Championship.

The final race showdown was exciting with Ian Dobson and Holly Scott (GP14) establishing an impressive one-minute lead over Mee and Pygall (Merlin Rocket). Dobson and Scott maintained their position to the finish but in the closing stages of the race, Burge and Lewis (Osprey) were back in contention after being buried at the start and were able to take advantage of a favourable shift at the final leeward mark and just managed to beat Mee and Pygall across the line.

Toby Lewis - four times Endeavour Champion crew - added. "It is great to win it with Matt. We had a tough day today, and a real fight on our hands. It was just an excellent last race. Today was a real case of not giving up. In both races we were buried at times but through sheer determination we pulled through."

At 16 years old, Rachel Grayson (Mirror class national champion) is not only one of the youngest helmsmen at this year's event but according available records, she is also the highest placed female helmsman ever at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club-hosted Endeavour Championship.

Grayson sailing with Nigel Wakefield, who finished the event in sixth place overall, was noted for her extreme skill, professional composure and her consistent performance throughout the weekend.

Overall Results (eight races, 1 discard)
1. Osprey, Matt Burge and Toby Lewis, 21 points
2. Merlin Rocket, Matt Mee and Tom Pygall, 22
3. GP 14, Ian Dobson and Holly Scott, 23
4. Lark, Charlie Roome and Jeremy Stephens, 33
5. Streaker, Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey, 33
6. Mirror, Rachel Grayson and Nigel Wakefield, 37

Full results here

#endeavourcb – Nick Craig and Alan Roberts representing the Merlin Rocket class have won the 2013 Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Championship at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

After finishing second to Christian Birrell and Richard Anderton (Fireball) in the opening race of the eight-race dinghy champion of champions series yesterday, Craig and Roberts achieved an impressive run of seven straight wins. This overall win also marks an historic occasion for Craig, who now enters the record book for winning the Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Trophy six times, ahead of previous record holder Geoff Carveth. The winning team is also arguably the first to have won the event with seven first places.

For Craig and Roberts it was a huge achievement not least because they were able to prove their dynamic skill in both light and breezy conditions. Although Craig confesses he is no fan of light airs, he and Roberts managed to pull off a fine display of tactical, light wind sailing yesterday. Today, they did it again, but this time the weather couldn't have been more perfect for the champions; torrential rain, and a stiff breeze with gusts reaching over 25kts.

While some of the lighter weight crews struggled in the gusty conditions, Craig and Roberts were extremely comfortable despite a slow start in the first race of the day when they found themselves buried in ninth place at the first mark after a committee boat startline pile-up.

Birrell and Anderton (Fireball) led the race but by the second beat Team Craig/Roberts had reverted to default and once again led the fleet to the finish and won by just over a minute. They didn't have it all their own way however, because James Date and Toby Wincer (RS800) sailed equally well in the breeze and managed to clinch second place – their best result of the weekend.

Craig commenting on his win, said: "The key to winning was without doubt Alan [Roberts]. He nailed every tack, gybe, hoist and drop, and everything was just perfect. It is exceptional to have a crew that works so consistently over eight tough races. Plus, he made really good calls and added a lot of good information."

Commenting on the choice of boat – the Topper Xenon – used for the event, Craig added: "It is a good boat for the event because it can take a really wide weight range. In the light winds the heavy guys don't suffer too much, and the light guys get a good shot of it. In the heavy stuff, yes, you need more weight, but ideally you should choose a bigger crew for the event. If the Endeavour was sailed in smaller boats it would exclude all the bigger helmsmen, which would be a shame."

Roberts, who won the Endeavour Championship last year, crewing for Ben Saxton (RS200) and therefore no stranger to the Xenon added: "The boats are what they, they are all the same, which makes it a fair playing field. I do prefer sailing them in a bit of breeze because they are more fun downwind, and it is essential to have fun."

Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton (2000) continued to sail consistently today and, with a final race second place, managed to secure second overall from Birrell and Anderton.

Having finished third last year their aim was to improve their overall result. Barnham commented: "We are delighted to have achieved our goal. We tried to keep mistakes to a minimum, a sort of low risk strategy but kind of frustrated we weren't able to break Nick's [Craig] run of first places. To be fair, he was completely dominant. He just seems to get better and better and more difficult to beat. We are working on the assumption he might get worse. He certainly can't get any better, that's for sure."

At 15-years-old, Crispin Beaumont (Topper 4.2), was one of the youngest/lightest helmsmen at the event. As a solo sailor he took the wise decision to opt for a taller/heavier crew – 31-year-old Chris Bownes. Although they suffered in the lighter breeze yesterday, they sailed well in the breeze today and in the last race scored an eighth place, their best result of the weekend.

Beaumont commenting on crew weight and experience as a first timer to the event, said: "On average I would say you need a bigger crew. We lost out in the lighter breeze but we were improving. And the good thing is we finished in the top 20, which is what we were aiming for. It was a great experience to attend this event and I learnt a lot. If ever I am fortunate enough to be invited again, I will definitely make sure I practise river sailing because it is so tidal here, and I am not used to that. Also we made it up as we went along really, which highlighted the fact I need to plan things more."

At this afternoon's prizegiving at the Royal Corinthian YC, Craig and Roberts were presented with the stunning solid silver scale model of the J Class yacht Endeavour. In his acceptance speech, Craig said he was delighted to have had the honour to sail at this special and unique event once again, and thanked the club's commodore Robert Coyle, all the sponsors and the race team, including Edwin Buckley and Kim Allen, the organisers and race officers.

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Endeavour Trophy

Overall Results (after 8 races and 1 discard)

1st Merlin Rocket - Nick Craig and Alan Roberts (7pts)

2nd 2000 - Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton (21pts)

3rd Fireball - Christian Birrell and Richard Anderton (37pts)

4th RS200 - Matt Mee and Emma Norris (40pts)

5th Scorpion - Steve Hall and Oliver Wells (51pts)

6th Streaker - Tom Gillard and James Dawes (57pts)

#endeavourcb – Nick Craig and Alan Roberts representing the Merlin Rocket class are the overnight leaders of the 2013 Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Championship.

Craig, who has won the event five times in the past, is now well on the way to making history with six wins if he and Roberts can repeat today's stunning performance on the racecourse, in the final three races tomorrow.

The leading duo accumulated just four points from the first five races. The only race the team failed to win was the opening race of the day, which was won by Christian Birrell and Richard Anderton (Fireball).

Sailing Topper Xenons, the 25-strong fleet of champions endured a testing day on the water in a light to moderate east-nor-easterly breeze and strong tidal stream. Racing took place at the mouth of the River Roach a few miles downriver from the host club, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, and although the wind was rather shifty at times, the race officers set some good, courses and managed to keep a steady stream of races flowing all day.

Craig commenting on the conditions said: "As Endeavour Trophy races go, today was really tough particularly as I am not a fan of light winds. This, combined with the tide, and tough competition, made it exceptionally tricky. Although we've done well today, there's a long way to go yet and I am certainly not counting on anything."

Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton (Laser 2000) sailed an equally impressive series of races today and, although they didn't win a race, their consistent set of results, which includes three second places, puts them in second place overall. They finished third last year and are naturally keen to repeat/improve their performance. Barnham said: "Last year we surprised everybody, including ourselves. But there is no denying that the Endeavour is tough. You have to take one race at a time and let the results sort themselves out. Nick [Craig] is very talented so we think the only way to give ourselves a chance, is to break his legs tonight. No, seriously, it's going to be windy tomorrow and Nick will just love it. We'll love it too, but not sure we'll go any better."

Former Endeavour Champion crew – Christian Birrell – and Richard Anderton (Fireball) started the day well with a first place in race one, after a nail-biting race-long battle and beat Craig/Roberts by just a couple of seconds on the line. Although they managed a second place in race three, an eighth and a ninth to count drops them down the rankings to third place with 20pts overall.

One team who were relieved this morning to find a dramatic drop in wind strength after yesterday's howling gale, were 13-year-old Elliott Wells and 15-year-old Jake Todd (RS Feva). At just 108kgs all up, they sailed consistently and finished the day with an impressive set of results including a sixth place in race three.

Chatting as he sailed in, Wells commented: "It is a great experience to be here, to meet new people, and race against some of the country's top sailors. Jake [Todd] is doing a good job as crew. The conditions were perfect for us this afternoon. We struggled a bit in the first race when it was up to 7kts but as it dropped we were able to flatten the boat and sail well."

The plan is to run the final three of the eight-race series tomorrow (Sunday, 13 October) starting at 1030. This is however, subject to change depending on the weather situation. The forecast is for rain and strong to gale force cyclonic winds across East Anglia, which could potentially disrupt the final day's racing.

#endeavourtrophy – The strong winds battering the east coast threatened to disrupt the opening day of the Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Championship at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch. Thankfully however, the consistently strong north-easterly breeze held off just long enough to allow the 25-strong fleet to complete the Calltracks-sponsored pre-event training, run by ABC for Winning coach Adam Bowers.

A mid morning briefing was followed by a lively session on the water for those keen to familiarise themselves with Topper Xenons, the class of dinghies used for the event. Most of the competitors, particularly first timers to the event, said the training day was invaluable.

Endeavour Championship first timer, Charlie Chandler (D One), commenting on the importance of the training day, said: "Today was critical particularly because neither me nor my crew had ever sailed a Xenon before. Going out there in such strong winds today was a baptism of fire but we survived and learnt a great deal. It was also great fun. I think one of the biggest things I will have to get used to is having a crew in the boat; I'm not used to that."

Charlie Cumbley (Solo) who last sailed the event in 2008, added: "That was the last time I sailed a two-man dinghy, so this weekend is going to be fairly entertaining. The training day proved to be invaluable and a bit of a shock to the system because it was exceptionally windy today with some vicious gusts up to 20 kts plus. It was great to go out there though because we now realise we need to change a few things on the boat before the racing starts in the morning."

The eight-race, seven to count Topper Endeavour Trophy series starts at 1030 tomorrow (Saturday, 12 October) with the plan to run up to five, 45-minute races back-to-back on windward/leeward courses. The remaining races are scheduled to take place on Sunday morning (13 October). This is however, subject to change depending on the weather situation.

Although the wind is forecast to abate overnight, competitors are bracing themselves for a weekend of tough racing in the first spell of cold, damp, autumnal weather.

Edwin Buckley – event organiser and joint race officer – chatting about tomorrow's plans commented: "It is not going to be the breezy weekend we anticipated. In fact I think it's going to be a difficult one because the forecast is for not much wind tomorrow. The chances of fitting in five races therefore, are looking slim, but obviously we'll do what we can, to make it as fair as possible. The forecast is showing a bit more of a breeze on Sunday."