Wayfarer UK National Championship 2025 in the Craftinsure National Circuit - Preview
by Sam Pygall 21 Aug 12:01 UTC
4-7 September 2025
Wayfarer Nationals 2024 at Paignton © Tom Wild
Get ready for four days of thrilling competition and coastal charm as the 2025 Wayfarer National Championships, part of the UK Wayfarer Craftinsure National Circuit and also sponsored by Allen Brothers, McNamara Sails and Hartley Boats set sail at Shoreham Sailing Club from 4th to 7th September!
This year's Nationals promise to be a standout event in the Wayfarer racing calendar, drawing top sailors from across the UK to one of the country's premier sea sailing venues. Shoreham offers easy sheltered launching, a short sail to open water, and the kind of rolling waves and reliable sea breezes that make for unforgettable racing.
And if you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins dancing in the surf.
The racing schedule is packed with action:
- Day 1: Thursday 4 Sept, 12:55-16:00
- Day 2: Friday 5 Sept, 11:25-16:00
- Day 3: Saturday 6 Sept, 11:25-16:00
- Day 4: Sunday 7 Sept, 10:55-15:00
Beyond the water, Shoreham Sailing Club is rolling out the red carpet with:
- Catering by Fete & Lime
- Live music from The Spitfires, a team quiz, and a DJ to keep the party going
- Family-friendly attractions including beach walks, nature reserves, and easy access to Brighton's iconic sights
The 2025 Nationals follow a season of competitive racing across the UK and Europe, including the International Championships in Denmark. With legends like Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend looking to defend their title, the stakes are high and the fleet is fierce.
Spotlight on the Champions: McNamara & Townsend
Michael McNamara is a legend in the dinghy sailing world. With over 60 national and international titles across classes including the Wayfarer, National 12, and Hornet, he's revered not only as a competitor but also as a sailmaker and coach. His deep understanding of sail tuning and boat handling has made him a go-to mentor for sailors across Europe. McNamara's technical mastery and calm tactical approach make him a perennial threat in any fleet.
Simon Townsend, McNamara's long-time crew, is equally accomplished. Known for his seamless coordination with McNamara, Townsend has helped secure multiple National and World titles. Together, they form one of the most dominant partnerships in Wayfarer history, reclaiming the National Championship title at Paignton last year.
Other teams to watch
Several teams will participate in the event and will be ones to watch. John Clementson and Mel Titmus (Chipstead SC) have achieved multiple event wins this season and regularly finish in the top three across the circuit. Bill Whitney and John Shelton (Shoreham SC) have a record of podium finishes, particularly on open water, and are competing on their home waters for extra motivation.
Guy Marks and Sam Boniface (Bough Beech SC) have great experience on the UK Wayfarer circuit, with Marks previously holding a National Champion title and Boniface achieving race wins at the 2025 Wayfarer Internationals in Denmark. This team has recorded multiple race victories at opens Aldeburgh and Bough Beech in the last few seasons. Ian Foxwell and Sam Pygall (Medway Yacht Club and Bough Beech SC) have consistently placed at the sharp end of the fleet, demonstrating tactical awareness and reliable boat handling under pressure.
Nigel and Belinda O'Donnell (Swarkestone SC) have finished near the top of the fleet at several Craftinsure National Circuit events, including overall wins at the UKWA Westerns and the Banbury Sailing Club Wayfarer Open. The O'Donnells placed second at the Wayfarer Northern Championship last season and have won multiple Travellers Trophy titles. The O'Donnells will face competition for first husband and wife team from Tim and Jacqueline Townsend (Medway Yacht Club).
Wildcards Paul Cullen and Vyv Townend (Bough Beech SC) are guesting in the Wayfarers for this championship but regularly compete at the front of the Fireball fleet. At the 2025 Fireball Nationals, Townend and DJ Edwards finished second overall, while Cullen and Simon Forbes placed eighth, including a podium result in the final race. Both teams also performed well at the Fireball Spring Championship at Draycote Water earlier in the season. New to the Wayfarer fleet but with great track records in other classes, they could be a team to beat! Completing the strong contingent from Bough Beech are Bob Reynolds and Graham Ditcham.
Brian Lamb (Dabchicks SC) and John Goudie (Wilsonian SC) both have extensive experience in the Wayfarer class. Lamb (crewed by Paul Berry) has frequently competed at Dabchicks-hosted events, and Goudie (crewed on this occasion by Mike Bryant) is recognized for regular participation and performance on the River Medway. A point of note; Goudie was also a recent winner of race at the Internationals in Denmark, crewed by Sam Boniface. Both Lamb and Goudie have been involved in developing the UK Wayfarer circuit and mentoring newer crews.
Other teams include open water specialists Chas and Mandy Hammond and Peter Bennett and Andy Philips from the host club and Paul Hughes from Arun Yacht. Richard Bailey and Ian Curtis (Rollesby Broad Sailing Club) make a return to the fleet, having placed well at the Europeans at Arun a few years ago. The fleet also welcome Clive Harries and Mike Saul from Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club.
Whether you're racing, spectating, or soaking up the seaside atmosphere, the 2025 Wayfarer Nationals at Shoreham promise an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars and get ready for a spectacular celebration of Wayfarer sailing!