Noble Marine 2023 Albacore Internationals at Abersoch - Runners & Riders

Albacore Internationals at Shelburne, Nova Scotia day 3 © Pauline Rook

The Noble Marine 2023 Albacore Internationals will be held over the week of 30th July to 4th August at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, Abersoch. This is the 26th iteration of the event which was first held in Toronto, Canada in 1971.

With just over 2 weeks until the first start we take a look at some of the runners and riders for this year's event.

Michael McNamara - UK (GBR 6493 Showdown for Jador)
The Master - needs no introduction. A multi-class champion and 5-time winner of this event with a further 6 top 5 finishes, but absent from this competition since 2013. There is no slowing down quality and he is sure to be in the mix at the end.

Barney Harris - USA (GBR 8229 - Final Chapter)
Barney - aka 'The Donald' - is also a 5-time winner and brings his champion crew Dave Byron with him this year. Being unable to ship boats across the pond, chartering is no issue for Barney and he will be spotted on Abersoch beach during Dinghy Week re-roping, changing fittings, adding the 'big' compass and sticking loads of tell tales all over the sails. He may even go for a practice sail or two! He will be looking for a repeat of his 2013 victory in the same venue.

Judy Armstrong - UK (GBR 8228 - Totally Ratted)
With husband Paul Armstrong in the engine room, there are not many trophies and awards this pair have not won, but the Internationals have been elusive with a 5th overall in Largs 2009 the best on record so far. So long as Paul can keep the motor running, they are sure to be contenders this time.

Raines Koby - CAN (GBR 8225 Jador 8000)
Mr Consistent at the 2019 Internationals in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, until a BFD on the last day left him 3rd overall. Raines and crew Stephanie Mah will be again looking for a good performance. Kitted out with a boat from the McNamara stable they are sure to be a challenge if they can master the use of the UK spec adjustable rig.

Matt Biggs - UK (GBR 8192 Gran Torino)
For his first foray into the Albacore Internationals, he is teamed up with reigning champion crew Mark Fowler. The current Inlands champions have undertaken much work on the boat in the quest for speed, however the extra 10 kilos of rope and fittings may backfire! Consistency will be the key to a podium finish.

Henry Pedro - CAN (GBR 8213 The UsuAL Suspects)
The expert organiser of the 2019 Internationals in Shelburne (and master brewer of Boxing Rock Brewery) teams up with ex-pat Guy Tipton who had a creditable 7th place finish in that event. Sailing under CAN7700 'Baldricks Cunning Plan' the pair are using a well set up UK charter boat. If Henry and Guy can overcome the drabness of UK beers they should put on a good show.

Neville Herbert - UK (GBR 8262 ALGoRhythm)
Reigning UK and International champion helm Neville has recruited Fowler junior for the 2023 campaign. Five appearances in the top 5 are testament to his consistency, but crew Lewis will have the double challenge of replicating his dad's technical abilities in the boat and the pastoral care needed to keep Nev on the straight and narrow.

Mike Hartley - UK (GBR 8187 Castoff & Poleaxed)
Mike 'Chatty' Hartley and crew Mark H............ (insert name of choice) are smoking hot in the Alb. Literally. This pair are nicotine powered which can be a giveaway as to their location on the course at any time. Leaving their call signs behind them for all to appreciate they will be in the shake up - s o long as the fags don't get wet!

Jeremy Rook - UK (GBR 8128 Running on Empty)
The most recent race winner from an Internationals series having cashed in on the Barney/Raines battle in the final race in Shelburne. This wily old character seems to feel his way round the course - mostly based on the observation that he appears to sail with his eyes shut. He seems to be awaiting a reliable weather forecast before selecting which crew to use.

Allan Tyler - UK (GBR 8236 Wire-less)
The reigning 3 times Southerns champion, and current Northerns champion, Allan will certainly make himself known in his first Internationals appearance. With wife Chrissy in the crew seat he will be praying for moderate winds though.

Andy Couch - UK (GBR 8253 You Can Call Me AL)
A new entrant to the class, Andy has proven form in multiple classes including the Phantom, Solo and VX One and is sure to display his ability in a strong field.

Cameron Moss - UK (GBR 8209 White Lie)
Cameron and crew Jake Stow are the dark horses in the field. The pair demonstrated strength and skill at the 2022 Southerns in breezy conditions at Weymouth. They will surely just keep improving. But does Jake have the stamina for his extreme hiking style over a 14-race series?

Matt Metcalfe-Smith - UK (GBR 8237 Krystal)
The big guy with regular crew Jason Upton on board blitzed day 2 of the Southerns in a strong breeze. They will need similar conditions in Abersoch to showcase their abilities.

Many of the other competitors have the ability to be in the mix during the week and there are sure to be some personal triumphs and moments of glory together with the inevitable upsets and cries of "it wasn't my conditions today".