#endeavour – The Endeavour Championship for the Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Trophy is taking place at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch next week (11-13 October).

The fleet of 25 invited champions and their crews from all around the UK will race a fleet of brand-new Ian Howlett-designed Topaz Xenons to establish the 2013 dinghy Champion of Champions.

Although last year's winners, Ben Saxton and Alan Roberts (RS200) won't be at the event to defend their title, Nick Craig – five-times winner – and crewman Toby Lewis (Merlin Rocket) who finished second last year, plus Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton (Laser 2000), who finished third are, once again, preparing for a an exciting battle.

Another key player is Christian Birrell (Fireball) who'll be aiming to repeat his Endeavour winning performance of 2010 when he crewed for Stuart Bithell (2012 Olympic silver medallist in the 470). This time Birrell will be at the helm, crewed by Richard Anderton.

Birrell, who has competed at this event three times in the past, both as crew and helmsman says the Endeavour Trophy is the event he looks forward to most. "The event provides fantastic racing, in perfectly matched boats against the best national class sailors in the UK.

"I love the event because I get to go racing against all my mates from all the different classes, in a class of boat, which we are all equally unpractised in! At least half the fleet is very evenly matched, which makes the racing extremely close. Burnham is also an extremely difficult place to sail, and offers something very different to the venues we all typically race in."

Jasper Barnham endorsing Birrell's opinion, added: "For me it is the best event of the season – bar none.

"Being able to test ourselves against the best in the country is reason we come to the Endeavour. Sailing against Stuart Bithell and Luke Patience last year was a huge thrill... We came away having learnt a huge amount, if we can learn as much this year then it will be a success for us."

Jono Pank (Firefly) who has raced the Endeavour twice before, says: The Endeavour has slightly untouchable aura because you can't get in any other way than winning your own champs... I see it as an elite club, and your membership expires very quickly – getting in is the toughest bit, unless you're Nick Craig, of course."

In an effort to ensure racing is as fair as possible, the race committee set the windward/leeward courses downriver from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, at the mouth of the River Roach, or in a similar suitable location depending on the state of the tide and wind direction. This also gives spectators and supporters a chance to view the racing from the sea wall.

The three-day event kicks off on Friday 11 October with the Calltracks-sponsored pre-event training session, run by ABC for Winning coach Adam Bowers. The eight-race, seven to count Endeavour Trophy series starts at 1030 on Saturday morning (12 October) with the plan to run five, 45-minute races back-to-back on windward/leeward courses. The remaining three races are scheduled to take place on Sunday morning (13 October). This is however, subject to change depending on the weather situation.

#endeavourtrophy – Following a year of exceptionally intense competition on the dinghy racing circuit, a fine selection of UK champions has materialised and will be in Burnham-on-Crouch next month to contest the ultimate dinghy champion of champions title for the Endeavour Trophy writes Sue Pelling.

The Endeavour Championship for the Topper Sailboats-supported-Endeavour Trophy is taking place at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch on 11-13 October.

The champions will race a fleet of 25 brand-new Ian Howlett-designed Topaz Xenons, kindly supplied by Topper with help from event sponsors Allen Brothers, Calltracks, Hyde Sails, Selden, English Braids, Petticrows, Musto, and Noble Marine.

Plans announced earlier this year, to introduce the Topaz Argo for the 2013 event are on hold due to exceptionally high levels of demand for this popular new design. Although the Argo, with its strict one-design status, is expected to prove an equally ideal choice of boat for the event, the Xenon, which has been used for the last eight years, is still a great option to continue providing excellent, equal racing for a wide range of all-up crew weights of between 18-24 stone (114-152 kilos).

This annual end of season event, promises to be one of the best yet with a quality entry including a selection of former Endeavour competitors, and former Endeavour champion Nick Craig.

Craig (39) has won the Endeavour Trophy a total of five times, which makes him the joint most successful Endeavour champion in history. He is one of the greatest amateur dinghy sailors of all times having notched up a total of seven world championship titles and no less than 22 national championship titles in a variety of classes over the last decade.

One of his most significant championship achievements was in 2011 when he won his fourth OK world championship title. Until 2004, this event had never been won by a British sailor, which makes his series of wins even more impressive.

In the same year, in 2011, he won his fifth Endeavour title and was recognised for his achievements by winning the 2011 YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Award.

Craig continues to succeed in the dinghy racing arena and, having won the Merlin Rocket national championship this year, has secured his place at the 2013 Endeavour Championship. In the run-up to this year's event Craig explains what it takes to win a championship, prepare for the Endeavour Trophy, and offers advice to his fellow competitors.

Nick Craig interview with Sue Pelling

Craig on method of preparation for a national or world championship?

Most championships are won before the event because preparation is everything. Quality time on the water is the best preparation. Racing against the best people possible, having a few learning objectives each time you sail, and to be willing to experiment with new things outside the big events. Ideally your sailing should have a mix of racing, two-boat tuning and solo practice depending on your strengths and weaknesses. Fitness is also really important. I generally step up a gear in the gym and bike in the six weeks preceding a major event.

On what gives him the edge over his competitors. Is it psychological, physical, talent, best equipment, or a good mix of each?

It's actually rare that I've had an edge – I've lost a lot more championships than I've won. The time I perhaps had an edge was 2005-7 and I'd say that was down to a lot of quality sailing and gym work. I was doing more sailing and gym work in 2005-7 than at any time in my life and any other amateur. I think there are many more talented sailors than me; it took me many years to win major events whereas more talented sailors have done that much faster. I'd say I have won events through hard work and strong preparation rather than superior talent. Hard work pays off in the end.

I always aim to sail with the best equipment. But I don't think that has given me an edge in the classes I sail because everyone has access to the same equipment, which is a feature I like.

Psychologically, I like big events especially when it goes down to the wire on the last day. They are my favourite days, I love that buzz. I think that mindset helps.

On addressing his weaknesses?

A mix of working hard on them and not getting too hung up on them – you can go a long way through leveraging your strengths. For example, the 2008 Endeavour was light airs and we were heavy but won it though winning most of the starts to make up for our lack of boatspeed.

I generally struggle most with light airs pace, partly because I switch boats a lot. Time in a particular boat is key for light airs pace whereas I find time in any boat works in more breeze. As much two-boat tuning as I can do in those conditions with a fast partner is very effective though not always easy to arrange. I've had an edge in light airs when I've put in the quality time to earn one.

On using other sports to enhance fitness on the racecourse?

I aim to have a varied programme to keep it interesting so sustainable. I do a fair bit of cycling, swimming, rowing machine, weights and circuits. In the build up to a major event, I'll focus more on what is required for that boat. For example the OK is hard on the legs but not on the upper body so I'll focus on leg work whereas the Finn needed a lot of both. I think fitness has been a major edge for me in amateur sailing, though it's getting tougher to maintain that as the years pass. The pro sailors were always fitter than me, sailing the Finn for three years was great for me in realising just how fit it's possible to be, I stepped up a fair bit during that period

On the reasons behind the decision to remain an amateur sailor?

I have a realistic understanding that I'm not good enough to make the Olympics. I'd never have beaten the likes of Ben [Ainslie] and others even with unlimited time. Whilst there may have been a professional route in yacht sailing, I much prefer dinghy sailing, so the amateur route has made sense for me and I've loved it and have no regrets.

On his first Endeavour Trophy win?

I was 30 representing the OK class. It took me five attempts to win the Endeavour; it is an extremely tough event. Stu Bithell, James Peters and Ben Saxton who all won or nearly won it at their first attempts are exceptionally talented, that wasn't something I was able to come close to.

On his closest Endeavour rivals?

There have been many all with very different sailing styles, which is what makes it so interesting. I think Jim Hunt, Geoff Carveth and Roger Gilbert have been the most consistent performers over the years with James Peters and Ben Saxton hugely impressive over the last few years.

On the choice of Endeavour boats over the years, and the most successful?

I love racing the Enterprise and RS400 but the Xenon has been a huge success due to Topper's excellent support. They provide 25 ready to sail boats, which makes it easy for people to compete and ensures as level playing field as is possible.

On his plan of action to ensure a best possible chance of winning?

Secure the best possible crew.

On selecting a crew for the Endeavour championship?

I think the two key qualities needed are to get a crew with a great feel for a boat so the boathandling comes together quickly, and exceptional hiking fitness because eight races in two days is tough, particularly in a breeze.

On the importance of attending the Endeavour Trophy training day?

For me the training day is key. I take a little longer than some of the uber-talented sailors to get up to speed so I like that time in the boat to get the feel of it again. And starting is so important at the Endeavour so we'll put ourselves under pressure on the start line on the training day by pushing the ends to sharpen ourselves up as fast as possible.

On the difference between competing at the Endeavour Trophy and a class championship?

A big difference. Burnham is highly tidal and the courses are short. Starting, boathandling and boat on boat tactics therefore become much more important. It's been a good event for me as these are my strengths whereas big course champs play a little more on my weaknesses.

On the importance of winning the Endeavour Trophy?

It's a fantastic event with more depth of competition than almost any other UK event, so it is very important to me.

And finally, on giving advice to Endeavour first timers?

Spend the practice day working on your starting/slow speed boathandling so you can focus as much as possible on the racing at the weekend. Chat to as many people as possible with Endeavour experience to get an understanding of the tides.

For details visit: http://royalcorinthian.co.uk/endeavour-trophy

#endeavour – Ben Saxton and Alan Roberts, representing the RS200 class, are the new Endeavour dinghy champion of champions having won the event at Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex this afternoon.

Twenty-two year-old Saxton from Grafham Water Sailing Club, and Roberts from Hayling Island Sailing Class made an impressive start to the Topper-supported Endeavour championship at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club yesterday with three firsts and a third place, which put them in the overnight lead in the 25-strong fleet. They then went on to win the first of two races today before the wind finally disappeared. This left them five points clear ahead of last year's Endeavour champions – Nick Craig and Toby Lewis – who took overall second place.

Saxton's win was particularly impressive because until the Calltracks-sponsored Endeavour training day on Friday, he had never stepped foot in a Topper Xenon before. Although Roberts, his teammate, finished second place at the Endeavour championship as crew last year and was able to bring valuable experience to the team this weekend, the pair had never sailed together in a spinnaker boat before. Interestingly, they immediately gelled as a team and the combination of good starts, good sailing and being able to seek clear air to gain the all-important speed advantage in the super-competitive fleet, are what really gave them the winning edge.

Commenting on his win, Saxton said: "I am unbelievably happy with this result. I can't quite believe it. We thought if we sailed well we could do it, and we did. I am extremely grateful however, I had Alan's previous Endeavour experience to work on, plus I am sure years of sailing at Grafham Water helped me today because it was really shifty on the Crouch."

Roberts added: "Having almost won it last year against Nick Craig, it is definitely good to come back and seal it the way we did. Racing against the likes of Nick [Craig], the Olympic boys [Christian Birrell and Luke Patience] and so many good people, makes it a really great event, and one that I really want to return to. Hopefully next year."

Second placed Craig spoke highly of the winning team: "It is very impressive that Saxton has won it first time. That is something I couldn't have done. He probably had a stone or two less weight in the boat than us, which may have helped a bit, but generally it was down to really good sailing, which is what matters."

Setting a course in today's shifty, light winds and strong tidal conditions on the River Crouch was a race officer's nightmare. Thankfully Kim Allen managed to make the best of the conditions and successfully completed two races before the wind died away altogether.

The final race winners in today's light, taxing conditions were Jasper Barham and Graham Sexton representing the Laser 2000 class. They only had one race finish outside the top five, and a win in today's final race was enough to secure a podium position after six races.

Christian Birrell, who won the event with Stuart Bithell in 2010, and then finished fourth overall last year representing the Enterprise class, finished this year's event fourth once again, this time sailing for the Merlin Rocket class. He managed to beat his 2010 team mate Bithell, and Luke Patience (470 Olympic silver medallists), by four points.

Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (Wednesday 6 October, 2010):  Following a hugely successful 50th Endeavour Trophy champion of champions event last weekend at Burnham-on-Crouch, Topper Sailboats has agreed to renew its sponsorship deal for another three years.

Topper, who has supplied a brand-new fleet of Topper Xenon dinghies on an annual basis for the last six years, has decided to continue its association with this prestigious dinghy champion of champions regatta, to help the host club – the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club – maintain the reputation it has for running such a unique and high quality event.

Edwin Buckley ­– Event Director – chatting about Topper's involvement in the event, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Topper has agreed to continue its support. Thanks to Topper, we have seen the Endeavour grow into a highly acclaimed professional sporting event. We are passionate about ensuring this event continues to grow and hope we can attract more support to help it through the next 50 years. However, we do rely heavily on sponsorship and are looking for new supporting sponsors to match Topper's enthusiasm for the event."

Rick Reading – Topper's Sales and Marketing Director – added: "We are pleased to be involved with such a hi-profile dinghy event as the Endeavour Trophy and look forward to continuing to provide support. We have had a lot of valuable feedback about the Xenons from the champions who've sailed them over the years which has helped with the continued development of our Topper range of boats."

For full results of the 50th Endeavour Trophy, which took place last weekend, visit: www.royalcorinthian.co.uk/endeavour-championship

Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (Sunday 3 October, 2010): Twenty-four-year-old Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club member – Stuart Bithell – and his 21-year-old crew, Christian Birrel, representing the Merlin Rocket class, have won the 50th Endeavour Trophy Champion of Champions event at Burnham-on-Crouch.

The young Merlin sailors are also successful 470 sailors with Bithell now concentrating on campaigning for a place in the 2012 Olympic Games. Today, in winds that reached 28kts in the gusts, the pair showed that consistency pays by clocking up another fifth place to add to their impressive string of top six results from yesterday. In doing so they managed to knock Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne (National 12) off the overnight leading position.

As he stepped ashore this afternoon, Bithell commented on the weekend's racing. "We did all the hard work yesterday by sailing a consistent series which put us in a good position going into today's races. We were pleased that we were able to sail well in both the light and heavy winds. The National 12 team sailed very well and were extremely consistent in the light winds but luckily for us, they couldn't quite hold it together today."

Going into the last race of the series there was still a chance of Camm and Ballantyne beating the Merlin Rocket team overall if they finished in the top four. However, the big winds that prevailed throughout the day proved too strong for the super-lightweight 17.5 stone National 12 sailors, so they decided to take the conservative approach in order to secure a decent overall position. They put a reef in their mainsail, kept the kite in its chute and, in doing so, took a 23rd place to count, which still put them in a respectable fourth place overall.

Ballantyne talking about the last two races said: "It was basically too windy for us lightweights today so we reefed to de-power but were still really struggling upwind. Downwind, we took the tactical decision that we would probably be faster without the kite. Interestingly it wasn't that much slower because we were able to sail straight downwind, so it actually paid quite well, and we survived."

Four time Endeavour Trophy Champion Nick Craig, and crewman Toby Lewis representing the Enterprise class had a set of mixed results in yesterday's light winds but today the pair really showed their true colours by winning both races. In the first race of the day they were initially led round the course by Chips Howarth and Simon Potts (Fireball), and Bruce Keen and Penny Clark (Musto Skiff) but in the strong, full-on conditions, team Howarth/Potts capsized shortly after the bear away on the first run, leaving a battle royal to continue at the head of the fleet. By the second run, Craig/Lewis had gained the lead and managed to cross the finish line just ahead of Keen/Clark. Howarth/Potts made a speedy recovery to secure third place.

A similar scenario happened in the final race when Craig/Lewis managed to hold off Keen/Clark for their second win of the series. Craig commented: "The boats are quite tricky to sail in the light winds which is why the likes of the National 12, Lark and Merlin sailors did so well yesterday, but today was perfect for us. It's is a great class for the event because it's a good all-rounder and we have the full support of Topper if anything goes wrong."

50th Endeavour Masters
With the wind showing no sign of abating early this afternoon, the race committee decided to run the special 50th anniversary Masters Championship immediately after the final race of the Endeavour series. The 13-strong fleet made up of former Endeavour Champions from the last 50 years was, not surprisingly, extremely competitive particularly with the likes of Ian Southworth/David Hayes, Alan Gillard/Graham Machon, Bob Suggitt, Steve Tylecote, and Nick and Caroline Martin returning to Burnham specifically for this historic occasion.

Craig, like several other Masters in the fleet had been competing in this year's Endeavour Trophy, so was obviously race-tuned for this one-off, one-race event. It wasn't particularly surprising therefore to see the 'master of the breeze' take the initial lead from Tylecote/Toby Lewis, with Bithell/Birrel in third. Fireball world champion Chips Howarth and Simon Potts sailed a faultless downwind leg and once in the lead had control to the finish.

Howarth commenting on the Masters' event explained how important it was to be racing: "It was fantastic for me because from a young age when I was sailing my Cadet at Bolton Sailing Club, I idolised the likes of Southy [Ian Southworth] and Alan Gillard. I used to really look up to these guys, so to be racing against them 25 years later, is fantastic. What's also wonderful is there's guys from yesteryear like the great Mike McNamara, the medium age guys like Southy, and some of the great sailors of today like Nick Craig and the young Merlin sailors. It's a bit like racing with three generations, and it's even better to have beaten them all."

Prizegiving
Over a hundred visitors turned out at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club this afternoon where Stuart Munro the Commodore was joined by Robin Judah – the man behind the creation of the Endeavour Trophy 50 years ago – to present the prizes. As well as winning the magnificent Solid Silver Endeavour Trophy, Stuart Bithell and Christian Birrel – the overall winners – were awarded a £1,000 Musto voucher, and an invite for a chance to race at the Bitter End Pro Am Regatta in the British Virgin Islands.

At the prizegiving ceremony, special thanks were given to the event sponsors including Topper, Musto, Hyde Sails, English Braids, Selden, Noble Marine and Petticrows.

Endeavour Trophy Overall Results (after 8 races, and 1 discard)
1 MERLIN ROCKET – Stuart Bithell and Christian Birrel 25pts
2 ENTERPRISE – Nick Craig and Toby Lewis 39pts
3 RS200 – David and Jane Hivey 40pts
4 NATIONAL12 – Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne 43pts
5 FIREBALL – Chips Howarth and Simon Potts 43pts
6 MUSTO SKIFF – Bruce Keen and Penny Clark 45pts

50th Endeavour Masters' Championship Overall Results (1 race)
1 Chips Howarth and Simon Potts
2 Stuart Bithell and Christian Birrel
3 Nick Craig and David Hivey
4 Steve Tylecote and Toby Lewis
5 Ian Southworth and David Hayes
6 Bob Suggitt and Christina Berxl

For full results visit: www.royalcorinthian.co.uk/endeavour-championship

Big winds sweeping across the country this afternoon disrupted proceedings at the opening day of the 50th Endeavour Trophy at Burnham-on-Crouch on the east coast.

With winds exceeding 30 knots in the gusts, Race Officer Kim Allen and team made the wise decision to postpone the first race of the eight-race champion-of-champions series at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (1-3 October).

The extreme conditions also meant the pre-race on-the-water training session, directed by ABC for Winning coach Adam Bowers, was curtailed leaving the 30 national champion teams benefiting from a shore-based rules seminar with rules expert Trevor Lewis, and a race tactics talk by Bowers. Bowers talking about the session said: "There are many who have raced at this event before but there are also those who are totally new to the Endeavour Trophy, so my participation is to level that playing field a bit. Unfortunately the serious weather meant we couldn't get on the water today but hopefully the shore-based sessions gave a taste of what to expect on the water tomorrow."

Competitors were also blessed with the presence of Robin Judah, the man behind the creation of the Endeavour Trophy 50 years ago. Judah, a former International Judge and Umpire, flew in from his hometown of Bermuda this morning especially for the three-day 50th anniversary Endeavour championship and will be the special guest at the Endeavour Dinner at the RCYC tomorrow evening.

Thankfully the weather front is forecast to pass through by the morning leaving more favourable conditions with winds in the 11-13kt range to allow the first six, short/sharp, windward/leeward races to take place on the River Crouch.

The level of competition is expected to be extremely high with 30 fully charged national champions from the most popular dinghy racing classes itching to get out on the water to race the Ian Howlett-designed Topper Xenon. This class, which has been used successfully at this event for the last five years, offers an ideal all-up crew weight range of between 18-24 stone (114-152 kilos) and because it's a relatively new design and has no class championship, there is no class champion to gain an unfair advantage.

Topper, who have specifically built and kindly loaned the fleet of 30 brand-new Xenons for the event, have been working closely with Hyde who are supplying sails, Allen Brothers the fittings, Selden the masts, and English Braids the rope. Together they have been able to produce an 'Endeavour boat' that is arguably the most fair choice of class in the history of the event. Other key sponsors include Noble Marine who has insured the fleet, Petticrows who has provided shore support, and Musto who has donated a £1,000 voucher for the overall winners of the 2010 Endeavour Trophy.

The race schedule starts tomorrow (2 October) at 1030. The plan is to run six races back-to-back on windward/leeward courses lasting a minimum of 35 minutes per race. The 50th Endeavour Trophy dinner is at the club that evening, and the final races of the Endeavour Trophy are taking place on Sunday morning. The special 50th anniversary Masters' championship on the Sunday will start at 1400, and the prizegiving for both events will take place as soon as possible after the last race.

Endeavour Trophy 2010 entries (30)

Class               Helmsman and crew
B14                  Tim Harrison and Jonny Ratcliffe
Blaze               Rob Jones and Ian Clark
Cadet               Andrew and Christopher Smith
Enterprise            Nick Craig and Toby Lewis
Fireball             Chips Howarth and Simon Potts
Firefly               Ben Vines and Eddie Webb
420                  Phil Sparks and Piers Strong
GP14               Ian Dobson and Andy Tunnicliffe
Hornet              Richard Garry and James Beer
Lark                 Harry Pynn and Michael John Gifford
Laser 2000            Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton
Laser 4000            Alistair Hodgson and Sue Ogg
Merlin Rocket            Stuart Bithell and Christian Birrel
Mirror                Chris Rust and Ollie Newman
Musto Skiff            Bruce Keen and Penny Clark
National 12            Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne
Osprey             Gareth Cauldwell and Robin Toozs-Hobson
Pico                 Jack and Peter Lawson
RS Feva            Robert Baddeley and James Taylor
RS200             Dave and Jane Hivey
RS300             Steve Bolland and Pete Cruickshank
RS500             Tim Wilkins and Michael Geerling
RS600             Jamie Mawson and Chris Fry
RS700             Jon Heissig and Nicky Griffin
Scorpion            David Wade and Steve Hall
Solo                 Matt Howard and Simon Haighton
Topper             Edward Jones and Hector Simpson
29er                 David Conlon and Finbar Anderson
Vortex              Phil Whitehead and Jonathan Lister
Wayfarer            Michael McNamara and Chris Videlo

A strong line-up of competitors is preparing to do battle at this weekend's 50th Endeavour Trophy event at Burnham-on-Crouch in the UK. 

To mark the half century of this annual dinghy Champion of Champions event, the host club – the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club – has extended the regatta to run over three days (1-3 October) and, as well as inviting current dinghy class champions, has also invited former Endeavour champions to race a Masters' Championship on the Sunday afternoon immediately following the concluding races of the 2010 Endeavour Trophy series. The grand Endeavour dinner on the Saturday night also promises to be one of the best yet with over 130 tickets sold so far.

This historic annual event, which was first held in 1961, is invitation only to determine the overall dinghy champion of champions from the UK's most popular dinghy racing classes. But to ensure the event is made as fair as possible – to provide for the diverse entry including solo, double-handed, heavy and lightweight crews – racing takes place in carefully selected, strict one-designs.

Owing to the success of the last five years, the Ian Howlett-designed Topper Xenon is the chosen class once again. Not only does this particular design offer an ideal all-up crew weight range of between 18-24 stone (114-152 kilos), but also because it's a relatively new design and has no class championship, there is no class champion to gain an unfair advantage.

Topper, who have specifically built and kindly loaned the fleet of 30 brand-new Xenons for the event, have been working closely with Hyde who are supplying sails, and Allen Brothers the fittings. Together they have been able to produce an 'Endeavour boat' that is arguably the most fair choice of class in the history of the event.

Because the Endeavour Trophy is, and has always been, recognised as the pinnacle of the year's dinghy sailing achievements, the quality of entry is exceptionally high and the competition extremely hot. The special 50th anniversary Masters' championship on the Sunday will also add to the flavour of the event particularly with the likes of former champions Keith Musto, Nick Martin, Chips Howard, Ian Southworth, David Hayes, Mike Holmes, Alan Gillard, Steve Tylecote, Mike McNamara, Nick Craig, and last year's winner Geoff Carveth already signed up. Racing for this event will take place off the club, giving spectators the opportunity to really see the masters at work.

The race programme for the 50th Anniversary Endeavour Trophy for 2010 champions starts on Friday 1 October with the first race of the eight-race series kicking off at 1525. The series continues all day Saturday, with the 50th Endeavour Trophy dinner taking place at the club that evening. The final race of the Endeavour Trophy concludes on Sunday morning, and the Masters' championship will start at 1400. The prizegiving for both events will take place as soon as possible after the last race.

Endeavour Trophy 2010 entries

Class               Helmsman and crew
B14                  Tim Harrison and Jonny Ratcliffe
Blaze               Rob Jones and Ian Clark
Cadet               Andrew and Christopher Smith
Enterprise        Nick Craig and Toby Lewis
Fireball             Chips Howarth and Simon Potts
Firefly               Ben Vines and Eddie Webb
420                  Phil Sparks
GP14               Ian Dobson and Andy Tunnicliffe
Hornet              Richard Garry and James Beer
Lark                 Harry Pynn and Michael John Gifford
Laser 2000      Jasper Barnham
Laser 4000      Alistair Hodgson and Sue Ogg
Merlin Rocket   Stuart Bithell and Christian Birrel
Mirror                Chris Rust and Ollie Newman
Musto Skiff       Bruce Keen and Penny Clark
National 12      Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne
Osprey             Gareth Cauldwell and Robin Toozs-Hobson
Pico                 Jack Lawson
RS Feva           Robert Baddeley and James Taylor
RS200             Dave and Jane Hivey
RS300             Steve Bolland and Pete Cruickshank
RS500             Tim Wilkins and Michiel Geerling
RS600             Jamie Mawson and Chris Fry
RS700             John Heissig and Nicky Griffin
Scorpion          David Wade and Steve Hall
Solo                 Matt Howard and Luke Patience
Topper             Edward Jones and Hector Simpson
29er                 David Conlon and Fin Anderson
Vortex              Phil Whitehead and Jonathan Lister
Wayfarer          Michael McNamara

Brief history of the Endeavour Trophy

The Endeavour Trophy is a solid silver scale model of the 'J' Class yacht Endeavour presented annually to the Champion of Champions at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch.

The origin of the trophy stems from Tommy Sopwith's 'J' Class yacht Endeavour, America's Cup Challenge in 1934. Following a pay dispute and dismissal of his East coast-based professional crew, Sopwith enlisted the help of 'Tiny' Mitchell, the Commodore of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at the time, to recruit amateur members of the club to form a crew.

Although Endeavour won the first two races against Rainbow and lost the series, this was the closest England has ever got to winning the coveted America's Cup.

Years later, Robin Judah respected member of the RCYC was anxious to establish a series of races for dinghy sailors in order to discover the 'Champion of Champions'. Beecher Moore, former Endeavour crew, and marketing man behind the successful dinghy designer Jack Holt, joined Judah in his quest to run this event and presented for the overall winner, his solid silver scale model of the yacht.

The first invitation-only race took place in 1961 and the winner was Peter Bateman, representing the International Cadet Class, crewed by Keith Musto. The original idea was to use the club's own fleet of 15 Royal Corinthian One-Designs but they were considered too specialist and would have placed a perpetual limit on the number of entries. Since then the event has been sailed numerous classes including the GP 14s, Laser 2s, Larks, Enterprises, RS400s and now the Topper Xenon.

For results visit: www.royalcorinthian.co.uk/endeavour-championship

This historic annual event, which was first held in 1961, is invitation only to determine the overall dinghy champion of champions from the UK's most popular dinghy racing classes, but in this special 50th year, the organisers have opened up the invitation to former Endeavour champions who will race in the Masters' Championship.

Because the Endeavour Trophy is, and has always been, recognised as the pinnacle of the year's dinghy sailing achievements, it is not surprising there's already a healthy entry to year's special event. The Advanta-sponsored Masters' championship – to be held on the Sunday – will be a great spectators' event with the likes of former champions Keith Musto, Nick Martin, Chips Howard, Ian Southworth, David Hayes, Mike Holmes, Alan Gillard, Steve Tylecote, Mike McNamara, Nick Craig, and last year's winner Geoff Carveth among those signed up so far.

The race programme for the 50th Anniversary Endeavour Trophy for 2010 champions starts on Friday 1 October, racing for the Endeavour series continues all day Saturday, and concludes on Sunday morning.

To ensure the event is made as fair as possible – to provide for the diverse entry including solo, double-handed, heavy and lightweight crews – racing takes place in carefully selected, strict one-designs. Owing to the success of the last five years, the Ian Howlett-designed Topper Xenon is the chosen class once again. Not only does this particular design offer an ideal all-up crew weight range of between 18-24 stone (114-152 kilos), but also because it's a relatively new design and has no class championship, there is no class champion to gain an unfair advantage.

Topper, who have specifically built and kindly loaned the fleet of 30 brand-new Xenons for the event, have been working closely with Hyde who are supplying sails, and Allen Brothers the fittings. Together they have been able to produce an 'Endeavour boat' that is arguably the most fair choice of class in the history of the event.

Tickets for the grand 'open' 50th anniversary Endeavour dinner on the Saturday night at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club are available from Kate Boothy at the RCYC office on +44(0)1621 782105, or e-mail: [email protected].

Brief history of the Endeavour Trophy

The Endeavour Trophy is a solid silver scale model of the 'J' Class yacht Endeavour presented annually to the Champion of Champions at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch.

The origin of the trophy stems from Tommy Sopwith's 'J' Class yacht Endeavour, America's Cup Challenge in 1934. Following a pay dispute and dismissal of his East coast-based professional crew, Sopwith enlisted the help of 'Tiny' Mitchell, the Commodore of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at the time, to recruit amateur members of the club to form a crew.

Although Endeavour won the first two races against Rainbow and lost the series, this was the closest England has ever got to winning the coveted America's Cup.

Years later, Robin Judah – respected member of the RCYC – was anxious to establish a series of races for dinghy sailors in order to discover the 'Champion of Champions'. Beecher Moore, former Endeavour crew, and marketing man behind the successful dinghy designer Jack Holt, joined Judah in his quest to run this event and presented for the overall winner, his solid silver scale model of the yacht.

The first invitation-only race took place in 1961 and the winner was Peter Bateman, representing the International Cadet Class, crewed by Keith Musto. The original idea was to use the club's own fleet of 15 Royal Corinthian One-Desgins but they were considered too specialist and would have placed a perpetual limit on the number of entries. Since then the event has been sailed numerous classes including the GP 14s, Laser 2s, Larks, Enterprises, RS400s and now the Topper Xenon.

For details visit: www.royalcorinthian.co.uk/endeavour-championship