B14 National Titles 2025-26
Snatch Dominate at the 2025/26 B14 Australian National Titles
The 2025/26 B14 Australian National Titles delivered five days of varied and demanding racing at Midway Point Yacht Club, showcasing the full breadth of conditions the B14 class thrives in - from drifting sea-breeze delays to classic high-wind skiff sailing. Across ten races, the championship was defined by consistency at the front, close battles throughout the fleet, and an outstanding effort from competitors and volunteers alike.
A Delayed Start, Then a Statement of Intent
The regatta opened with a testing first afternoon as the anticipated sea breeze failed to arrive on schedule. Race 1 was abandoned while the fleet waited for the prevailing north-easterly to establish, with the start boat relocated and the course reset. When the breeze finally filled in at 10–14 knots, racing got underway at 3:40pm.
Snatch (Craig Garmston / Paul Fleming) wasted no time stamping their authority on the series, taking a commanding win by nearly two minutes. Rocket Ship (Nick Richardson / Natalia Wisniewska) followed in second, with Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Roger Jackson / Luke Verceli) third. Race 2 followed in similar conditions later that afternoon, with Snatch again on top, ahead of The Nude (Richie Reynolds / Lissa McMillan) and Rocket Ship.
Southerlies and Tight Racing
Day two brought a solid southerly of around 15 knots, gusting over 20, delivering fast, physical racing and rapid spinnaker legs. Snatch continued their winning run in Race 3, finishing more than a minute clear of Rocket Ship, while Bone Work (Ralph Stanford / Dominik Vogt) edged out RSC Side Effects (Renee / Rob Cordingley) for third.
By Race 4 the breeze had softened, forcing the race officer to shorten the course. Despite the lighter conditions, the racing remained close, with Snatch holding off The Nude by just three seconds, Rocket Ship again completing the podium.
Classic B14 Conditions Test the Fleet
Day three delivered what many regard as true B14 conditions: a solid SSE breeze averaging 16–19 knots with gusts regularly into the mid 20s and beyond. The demanding conditions took their toll, with multiple retirements and several boats failing to finish.
Through the chaos, Snatch once again showed remarkable consistency, winning Race 5 ahead of Rocket Ship and Blown Seal (Rob Winn / Tom Carolyn). After a delay caused by the start boat dragging anchor, Race 6 got underway in similar conditions. Snatch claimed yet another narrow victory over Rocket Ship, with Bang Bang (Scott Foster / Tony Miller) in third.
Racing was followed by the traditional Buggar the Bone event, rounding out a memorable day both on and off the water.
Near-Perfect Skiff Sailing
Day four proved to be one of the highlights of the regatta, with near-ideal south-easterly conditions allowing a full three-race program. The breeze built steadily from around 12 knots to the high teens, with gusts into the low 20s, producing fast, exhilarating racing across the fleet.
Race 7 delivered the only interruption to Snatch’s dominance, with RSC Side Effects holding them at bay to claim a well-earned win. The Nude finished second, with Snatch third. Normal service resumed in Races 8 and 9, as Snatch returned to the top step of the podium, chased closely by Rocket Ship and The Nude in both races.
Throughout the day there were numerous “races within races”, underlining the depth of competition across the fleet.
A Fitting Finale
The championship concluded with a single race on day five. Despite an early forecast of light winds, the fleet enjoyed another excellent race in a 13-knot south-easterly. Tight tussles and frequent position changes characterised the race, with a significant windward mark move after the first lap catching several boats out, including the leading group.
At the finish, Snatch sealed an emphatic series victory with her ninth win from ten races. The Nude finished second in the final race, followed by Rocket Ship, with RSC Side Effects rounding out the top four after an excellent regatta.
Final Results
Overall (Scratch):
1. Snatch (Craig Garmston / Paul Fleming) – 8 pts
2. Rocket Ship (Nick Richardson / Natalia Wisniewska) – 19 pts
3. The Nude (Richie Reynolds / Lissa McMillan) – 22 pts
On handicap, honours went to Blown Seal (Rob Winn / Tom Carolyn), ahead of Postage Stamp (Richard McMinn / Lucy Rees) and Bang Bang (Scott Foster / Tony Miller).
Thanks to the Volunteers
The championship’s success owed much to the tireless efforts of the race management team and volunteers. Special thanks go to Commodore Michael Verrier for his constant on-water support, canteen manager Marlene Nichols and her team, Helen Eggins and Andrew Verrier in the start boat, and the many rescue boat crews and shore supporters who ensured safe and efficient racing throughout the week.
The 2025/26 B14 Australian National Titles will be remembered for its variety of conditions, fierce competition, and a benchmark performance from Snatch - an outstanding regatta for the class.
To find out more about the B14 - the world's fastest hiking skiff - visit www.b14.org
By Steve Miller
This is the second time we has hosted the B14 Nationals the last time was back in 2016.
With a good fleet of six local (MPYC) boats and great flat water for the class some exciting racing is assured.
Boats from other parts of the state as well as a good contingent from NSW and Victoria should ensure a large fleet with some close exciting racing.
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