3rd to the 5th of October, RAF duo of Ben Hawkes and Jonny McVey battled the storm Amy and the best amateurs in the country, taking part in the prestigious Endeavour Trophy. The Endeavour Trophy invites national champions from across a range of classes within UK sailing to fight for the prestigious crown of “Champion of Champions”. Ben earned the invitation thanks to his triumph as National Champion in the K1 class.
“Gaining an invite to the Endeavour Trophy was no small feat. I had to compete against 37 boats in a range of conditions. From 10 knots and sun to 30-40 knots with thunder and lightning. From the start it was clear that it was going to be a close battle at the front. I was in 2nd place by 1 point on day 1 then leading by 1 point on day 2. So, it all came down to the last day. The day started off light and flukey meaning it was anyone’s game to win. However, by the last race (unbeknown to me I was leading by 2 points) the breeze had picked up and was well over 30 knots. After 9 races and a close battle I was crowned the K1 National Champion of 2025. This was my 1st Nationals win. Winning this event then gave me the invite to the Endeavour Trophy.” Ben Hawkes reflecting on his National Championship victory.
Ben reunited once again with long time crew Jonny McVey to take on the Endeavour Trophy, the countries ultimate test of amateur sailing skill. Hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, the invitation-only event brought together some of the best sailors in the country.
The pair arrived to find a fleet of brand-new Melges 15s, the one-design boat selected for this year’s championship. Friday’s practice day gave competitors a chance to familiarize themselves with the new boats, sharpen tactics, and absorb world-class coaching from a top British Sailing Team mentor. Spirits were high. But all competitors were aware that Storm Amy was on the horizon.
By Saturday morning, Burnham was being battered by winds gusting up to 50 knots. Nervous glances filled the clubhouse before officials made the only safe call to postpone racing. The competitors instead traded waves for wine at the evening’s Champions Dinner, where the club’s Commodore officially welcomed the elite field.
Sunday dawned with winds still roaring past 30 knots and the River Crouch boiling with chop, the stage was set for a day of sheer endurance. Four grueling races followed — boats capsized, crews hung on for dear life, and downwind speeds topped 20 knots. Spray flew, crowds cheered, and every sailor came ashore drenched but exhilarated.
Hawkes and McVey fought hard to secure 26th place overall — an impressive result considering the pair hadn’t sailed together all season due to deployments with their squadrons. Competing under the RAF banner, the duo not only showcased exceptional skill and determination on the water but also helped to raise the profile of the Royal Air Force within the wider sporting community.
Exhausted yet elated, the pair proved once again that RAF sailors can stand shoulder to shoulder with Britain’s very best — even in the face of a storm.
Reflecting on their performance Ben said:
“The Endeavour Trophy is not an easy event to compete in. Because everyone is on the ball all the time it makes it hard to find those winning margins. The event was run very professionally with the addition of the new Melges making for a more level playing field. If given the opportunity I would recommend this event for everyone to attend.”
When asked what the experience of sailing against the best sailors in the country Jonny thoroughly enjoyed the experience:
“Very exciting, especially when all sailors are put into the same class of boat, it makes for very close and competitive racing. You need to keep the concentration levels up all the way around the course, as any mistakes are punished by the sheer class of the other sailors chasing you down.”
Congratulations to the pair doing RAFSA proud, we look forward to seeing their future endeavours!
