Can Eddie Bridle retain his UK National title in North Berwick?

Can Eddie Bridle retain his UK National title in North Berwick?
by GBR Musto Skiff Class Association 2 Sep 20:05 BST
10-13 September 2026

Later this month, the Musto Skiff fleet will arrive in North Berwick for the 2026 UK National Championship. The four-day regatta brings together some of the best sailors in the class from across the UK, alongside class stalwarts and newer members looking to enjoy exciting skiff racing in a spectacular setting.

Heading to Scotland for the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championship is reigning UK Champion, Eddie Bridle. With both European and National titles already to his name in the Musto Skiff, as well as a standout performance at this year’s Musto Skiff World Championship in Carnac, Eddie will be one of the favourites to watch as he looks to add another title to his growing list of sailing achievements.

So, how much preparation has Eddie been able to fit in ahead of the UK Nationals, and is he feeling any pressure as defending champion? We caught up with him to find out what he’s been doing to get ready and to hear his predictions for the sailors most likely to be chasing the podium places.

Q: What preparations have you made to get ready for the upcoming 2026 UK National Championship at North Berwick?

For me, like most people in the class, I haven’t had as much time on the water as I would have liked. However, I’m hoping that competing at the Worlds earlier this year, taking part in my home club race week and sailing the recent Musto Skiff event at Stone will have helped keep me sharp. I’m also planning to get the boat out this weekend for a quick shakedown sail to make sure any final jobs are completed, and everything is ready to go.

Q: Have you sailed at this venue before? If yes, what did you enjoy most about sailing at North Berwick? If not, what are you most looking forward to?

I haven’t sailed at North Berwick before, but I’ve heard very good reviews from people who have. I’m looking forward to discovering what the venue has to offer and experiencing everything North Berwick has to offer both on and off the water.

Q: You are the current UK Musto Skiff National Champion. Are you feeling the pressure to back up your 2025 Title with another win?

Generally, I’m pretty cool-headed and good at going into events with an open mindset, just focusing on doing the best I can and enjoying the racing. Of course, it would be great to take home the title again and make it back-to-back wins. However, the competition is as hot as ever, and everyone has their different conditions that they are strong in, so I’ll definitely have my work cut out. Either way, I’m looking forward to some great racing, which is what all of us enjoy most about Musto Skiff events.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone doing their first UK Nationals in the Musto Skiff?

My advice would be to talk to other sailors in the fleet and ask any questions regarding tips, tricks and boat setup. The fleet are more than happy to share information, and everyone has a slightly different style for sailing the Musto Skiff. Finding the right solutions that work for you will definitely help with the learning curve.

Q: As a UK Musto brand and class ambassador for the 2025 season, you got to try out the latest Musto dinghy kit. How are you enjoying it? Is there any kit that stands out for you that you’d recommend to others?

For the Musto Skiff, I find the over-the-top bib essential, so nothing gets caught. Their thermal rash vest is amazing with a long john wetsuit during the summer and doubles up as a warm base layer when conditions get cooler. In the colder weather, the new spray top is also brilliant. All the Musto kit is very impressive, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have used so much of it over the past year.

Q: What’s your prediction for this year’s UK Musto Skiff National Championship?

Based on their performances at the Worlds, I think Rob Richardson has some serious speed, and Ben Clegg has also been putting in plenty of time on the water. Andy Tarboton is looking to come back from injury and is always a very consistent challenger. Also on the entry list are Jono Shelley, Jamie Hilton and Danny Boatman, who always have speed when the breeze is up. There are lots of other names who will be right at the sharp end, so it’s definitely not going to be easy, but that just makes it even more fun!

Q: Next year, the Musto Skiff class is heading to Lake Garda for their 2027 World Championship. Assuming you are intending to be there, what are you most looking forward to about sailing at Torbole, and what do you think will be the biggest challenge?

I am very excited to return to Torbole at Lake Garda. It’s one of my favourite venues and I’m sure it’s going to deliver some epic downwind rides with some very competitive racing throughout the whole fleet. I expect we will see a very large turnout, so getting off the start line will be a challenge, and for me, dealing with some of the heavy boat speed demons will also be tough. I’m really looking forward to returning for a week of epic sailing, pasta, pizza, beers and some Italian sunshine with the fleet – last time it was a standout event for all.

About the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championship 2026

If you’d like to experience big-fleet skiff racing in Scotland, entries for the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championship are available via the event entry page.

The four-day regatta will be hosted by East Lothian Yacht Club (ELYC) in North Berwick from 10-13 September 2026. Entry includes after-sailing snacks and an evening social event. A reduced weekend-only entry option is also available and, once again, the class is offering a 50% entry fee subsidy for all youth sailors.

For more information about the event, see the 2026 UK Nationals Event Guide.