The 27th Devon Yawl National Championship was sailed on June 21–22 at the River Yealm and Wembury Bay and drew a competitive fleet of 19 boats. The event unfolded under mostly light winds, punctuated by occasional showers, across six races, four on Saturday and two on Sunday, expertly managed by Race Officer Chris Matthews.

The shifting 4–6 kt south-easterly breeze on Saturday, combined with rain squalls, made for tactical, edge-of-your-seat racing. The fleet navigated their way through tidal shifts and cliff-shadowed gusts in a triangular-windward-leeward course setup. Sunday’s steady conditions gifted two more races to wrap up the series.

Dominating the results while sailing with Ullman Sails, boats finishing 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th all flew Ullman, proving the brand's performance edge in variable conditions — from light air to tactical fleet racing.

Champions Dan and Nigel Ellis on DY368 combined local knowledge with sharp sailing to clinch the title. Big congratulations go out to Dan and Nigel!

Meanwhile, Ullman Sails UK loft owner J​​​​​​​on Pegg watched the racing alongside his daughter aboard the RIB for the weekend and cheered on his wife, Elly Pegg, as she competed with Tom Wills.

More than just great racing, the week reaffirmed the Devon Yawl Nationals’ reputation as a favourite on the UK keelboat calendar — combining technical courses, close competition, and an atmosphere that brings sailors back year after year. And for us at Ullman, it’s always special to see so many boats we’ve worked with sailing well, especially in such a well-loved class.

photos Bronny Daniels