With just weeks to go before the Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Royal Torbay Yacht Club, the highly anticipated international speculation markets have opened to predict who will sail away victorious.
Not great at choosing the winning horse? No worries – we’ve got you sorted.
Jamie Harris & Ellen Main – Spiderman
Your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman & woman. Have you ever seen these two worried about anything? The most laid-back team in the fleet and always willing to help others out. Turns out, friendliness pays – Jamie & Ellen are consistently turning out top results and will be a force to be reckoned with in Torquay. There’s just one problem…
Ollie Evans & Zoe Nieveen – Doctor Octopus
Anyone that that has seen Ollie pack away a boat will understand. Clean, clinical and sharp. On the water, it’s almost like his telepathy just tells him the right way up the first beat. With MJ’s (aka Zoe) focus only matched by her ability to fly a kite, this pair will be hard to defeat. A tough watch for Tom Holland and Zendaya fans.
Arran Holman – Dr Strange
The master of the AWOL. Arran seems to defy time and logic. People never really know where Arran is – could be in Switzerland coaching, could be in a Merlin Rocket at some random club race, could be farming his cows. Like Dr. Strange, Arran can quickly analyse complex situations on the water and knows how to fix any issues onboard. As a returning champion, he is one to watch – not least because his helm is looking forward to having someone who actually knows what they are doing in the front of the boat.
Henry & Rose Hallam – Thor and Loki
Ah yes – our Cornish friends. Few can match Henry & Rose’s technical skill on a boat, and it's enough to make any sailor envious. Years of growing up and training together have created a level of coordination that few crews can match – if they can avoid the inevitable sibling bickering. The added opportunity to plaster Devon in Cornish flags if crowned champions will only add fuel to their fire.
Ian Martin & Emma Hivey - Grand Master Oogway
One of the most experienced teams in the fleet, bringing years of RS200 Nationals knowledge to the start line. Renowned for their calm mindset and tactical awareness, Ian and Emma have earned a reputation as sailors who let skill and good judgement do the talking (although, at this point, many have begun to question if Emma’s thighs are just made of titanium). Above all, Emma and Ian’s willingness to share advice, encourage newcomers, and help younger sailors develop is stand out. If the racing rewards consistency, resilience, fitness, and smart tactical decisions, few would be surprised to see this pair challenging for the top spot.
Ben Whaley & Isobel Stewart – Batman
As the 2024 National Champion in RS200 and RS400 fleet, Ben needs no introduction. A high-performance sailor known for courage and consistency, Ben thrives when conditions are toughest and expectations are highest. Like Batman, he is defined not by invincibility, but by his ability to rise every time he's tacked on. Guided by integrity and 2 to 1 jib system, Ben returns to the RS200 Nationals ready to challenge the front of the fleet once again.
Ollie Meadowcroft – Green Golbin
Exeter University’s golden alumnus, Ollie is known for his infamously aggressive starts and questionable mark room interpretations. Whether chasing a shift or battling for position at the leeward gate, Ollie is always up for a close race.
Joe Jones, James Gifford & Rory Gifford – Powerpuff Girls
Don’t let their age fool you – they might be young, but they are mighty. All sailing in different crews, these scrappy youths will be sure to keep the top of the fleet spicy.
Brendan Lynch & Ellen Clark – Superman and Lois Lane
"A couple that tacks together, stays together."
Three-time loving cup champions, meet the crew proving that mixing romance and competitive sailing is either a brilliant idea or a terrible one. Together, they've spent countless hours navigating shifting winds, tricky tides, and discussions about whose fault that ‘bang left’ call really was.
When they're not chasing podium finishes, they're busy testing the theory that a relationship can survive being trapped on a small boat or 10-hour car journeys with nowhere to storm off to. Armed with a shared love of sailing, a healthy dose of stubbornness, and enough sailing gear to keep most of Scotland afloat, they're determined to stay on course, both on the water and in life.
Morgan Peach – Captain Underpants
Mr Worldwide will be returning to his home club to compete this year. Apparently, he sometimes likes to sail only wearing his pants. No further comments.
Annabelle Orme
Photo: Henry and Rose Hallam, courtesy Restronguet SC
