Britain’s SB20 fleet proved once again that there’s no set formula for success, clinching the Nations Cup at the 2025 SB20 World Championship in Singapore. Eight British teams took on the tricky conditions alongside competitors from nine other nations and not only did John Pollard’s Xcellent take the overall title, but the entire British contingent contributed to bringing home the Nations Cup trophy.
The Nations Cup, an added layer of competition within the Worlds, rewards the top-performing nation across the fleet. It was introduced in 2015 by Jerry Hill and Alan Hillman and has now been claimed by GBR teams three times - first in Cowes in 2017, then in Dun Laoghaire in 2022 and now in Singapore in 2025.
A Championship unlike any other
The 2025 Worlds served up a cocktail of light, shifty breezes, sudden puffs masquerading as gusts and a current that seemed to have a mind of its own. A far cry from the strong-wind venues where Pollard and his team have traditionally thrived.
“They say, ‘It’s not usually like this,’” - laughed Pollard. “Last time I sailed in Singapore, we lost a mast! We’re typically high-wind sailors, so if you’d asked me to pick a venue where we’d win a Worlds, this wouldn’t have been Singapore.” Yet, through sheer determination, expert teamwork and tactical wizardry from Aussie David Chapman, Xcellent emerged victorious.
“This one is for Sludge [Michael Cooper, Export Roo AUS 3731],” – was heard from the racecourse, with whom Chapman sailed back at Cowes Worlds in 2017, when they lost Gold to Jerry Hill by two points. Thanks to the strong performance from the rest of the British flagged boats the Nations Cup was secured.
Britain’s versatile fleet
What made this Nations Cup win even more special was the variety of British teams in the fleet. There was no single formula - just proof that SB20s are truly for everyone. Among the British squad were all-female, mixed, Youth and Masters teams, as well as family crews.
Defending World Champion Charlotte Borghesi helmed Kidzink, the fleet’s only all-female team, flying the GBR flag after last year’s UAE victory. “The SB20 fleet is the perfect place to start for an all-female team,” she said. “The racing is world-class, and we love showing that this boat can be sailed competitively by men or women, in any position. With very limited time in the boat before the regatta together, and with two of the team never really having sailed a keelboat before, it was a steep, but very enjoyable learning curve for us and the SB20 fleet was the perfect place to start.”
Charlotte’s family also made a strong showing with her husband Paolo, who had to become British due to the absence of the Italian fleet at the moment, finished 15th overall and second in the Masters category. Their son William’s Wind Warriors took two race wins and the second-best Youth spot.
“As Dubai-based expats we were not allowed to sail under the UAE flag internationally, so next year we’re debating which country to sail for,”- Charlotte joked. “Anyone looking to boost their Nations Cup chances, give us a call!”
Old mates and family crews
Another standout British team was Pinch of Adrian Peach, whose son Morgan teamed up with his 29er campaign partner Owen Bowerman and racecourse rival Arran Holeman. “I first sailed an SB20 in 2010 as a fourth crew with my dad,” - said Morgan. “Now, living in Singapore, I had to jump in when I heard the Worlds were here!”
Their secret weapon? Tasmanian sailor Eirini Marios from the 2023 World Champion team Ares. “We all generally helm boats, so Eirini kept it calm through the chaos,” said Arran. “She was definitely the glue holding the team together.”
Meanwhile, Charlie Whelan enjoyed a family affair this year, when he raced with his son Patrick on a brand-new Devoti boat: “Paddy arrived early and spent a few days putting the new [Reservoir] Bod together. It was fantastic for Richard to arrive to a ready rigged boat. I was thrilled as any dad would be.” - said Whelan.
“Singapore’s conditions were brutal, but Paddy did a great job - one beat you’re at the top, the next a tiny mistake knocks you down the scoreboard, luckily he dug us out of trouble a few times. Whatever the results, we had a great time! And I will forever have the memories of a special week sailing with Paddy in Singapore", - concluded Charlie.
The winning formula? There isn’t one
If there’s one takeaway from Singapore, it’s that SB20 success doesn’t come in one shape or size. Whether all-female, mixed, Youth or Masters, the British teams proved that versatility is key. “A bit of pro input helps,” - admitted Pollard, - “but the SB20s are great fun no matter what.”
UK Class secretary Phil Tilley agreed: “Singapore was one to remember—tough racing, incredible hospitality and a cracking result for the British fleet. Now, we’re bringing that energy home to build towards the 2027 Worlds in Torquay. Come see the Nations Cup at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club – we hope it’ll inspire a few new faces to join the fun!”
Words: Anna Zyk
Photo Credits: Matteo Garrone, Anna Zyk, Jennifer Burgis (Cowes Worlds 2017)
Comentários