The SB20 class will return to Cowes from 25-28 July for the ROVIKA SB20 UK National and Open Championships, a four-day regatta designed as a prelude to the 200th edition of Cowes Week.
Ceremonial Salute — A traditional cannon signals the start of racing during Cowes Week, whose landmark 200th edition follows immediately after this year's SB20 UK National and Open Championships. Photo: Paul Wyeth
Hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, the event will feature short sprint racing on Saturday, followed by a full championship programme through Tuesday. Competitors will be able to leave boats in Cowes ahead of Cowes Week, which begins on 1 August. Organisers expect at least 35 boats on the start line, bringing together leading British teams and a strong international contingent.
Defending World and UK National champion John Pollard will lead the domestic challenge aboard Xcellent, while Charlie Whelan's Breaking Bod, Paul Hine and Mark Gillett's PB Twenty II are also among the expected contenders.
Breaking Through — Charlie Whelan's Breaking Bod drives downwind under spinnaker on the Solent. The long-time class contender is expected to feature prominently at the 2026 championship. Photo: Paul Wyeth
The Open Championship has attracted entries from Australia, Singapore and France. Australian visitors include Porco Rosso, skippered by SB20 Australia President Paul McCartney and crewed by 2023 World Champion Will Sargent, while Eirini Marios helms Ares. Singapore-based competitors Daire O'Reilly aboard The Incident and Nils Razmilovic's Glasgow Kiss are also expected to feature prominently.
Scottish Challenge — Glasgow Kiss, helmed by Singapore-based Nils Razmilovic, races on the Solent. The experienced campaign is among the international contenders expected at Cowes. Photo: Paul Wyeth
French SB20 President Ed Russo brings Skin in the Game to Cowes, while Pierre-Yves Lambert's Lynx will use the regatta as preparation for October's SB20 World Championship in Hyères.
The fleet will also include professional offshore sailor Ollie Hill, a competitor in events such as La Solitaire du Figaro and the Transat Paprec. "I'm really looking forward to getting back into SB20 racing with my mates Josh Dawson and Randal Jackson," Hill said. "It's some of the most fun sailing I do, and we definitely have our eyes on the SB20 Worlds next year."
Youth teams from Radley College and Belgium's North Sea Sailing Collective are also expected to compete.
Youth Charge — Radley College sailors power through Solent chop during Cowes Week. The school team is set to return for the 2026 SB20 UK Nationals in Cowes. Photo: Paul Wyeth
This year's championship will be the first SB20 UK Nationals to use Vakaros Race Sense technology, designed to improve race management and reduce general recalls. Royal London Yacht Club will host competitors ashore, with support from the title sponsor, Rovika, and Sailing Chandlery.
UK Class President Charlie Whelan said there was still time for sailors to join the fleet. "So many top SB20 sailors will be in Cowes this July and there is still time to join," he said. "Extend your stay, make it a double-header and sail at the 200th Cowes Week. It is going to be extra special this year."
