Ben Hawkes
Ben is the latest member of the EXE Sails Team and aside from a range of boats he has sailed in the past, He is focussing his attention to the Osprey. Having spent a huge amount of time on the water and tinkering on the shore, Ben and Simon have got the boat set up, the practice and the latest sails to get them fighting for the top spot. Being a youngster, Ben has won the National U21 title for the past 2 years as both a Helm and a Crew. As far as I am told, he is the only Osprey Sailor to do this consecutively, this being his last year as an U21, can he do it a 3rd time?
Nickname: Nemo
Favourite venue: Weymouth, UK
Boat: Osprey
Best result: 2018 Inland National Champion
Simon Hawkes 
Simon is a familiar face at numerous events having sailed a wide range of classes. He can be found sailing his Phantom on the circuit or at the front of the Osprey, crewing for Ben. Simon can usually be seen at the front end of the classes he sails including both the recent Osprey Inlands and winning a range of Phantom traveller events. Simon is known for his innovation and “outside the box” thinking, he is also most generous with his knowledge and always has some hints and tips for those that ask.
Nickname: Russel
Favourite venue: Weymouth, UK
Boat: Phantom/Osprey
Best result: 3rd Phantom Nationals/ 2018 Osprey Inland National Champion
Sam Woolner
Along with running the loft Sam occasionally gets let out on the water. A passionate Dinghy and Keelboat sailor, Sam has been focusing his sailing between the Hornet, with Dick Garry, and his Mini Tonner in which he won Dartmouth Regatta IRC5 along with his crew in 2017.
Favourite venue: On the water
Boat: Hornet
Best result: 2014 Hornet European Champion, 2017 Dartmouth Regatta Class Winner
Richard Garry
Having helmed Hornets for over 25 years and with numerous National and European Championships under his belt, Dick is one of the most experienced Hornet helms out there.
Dick is currently helming for Sam and with their new SP Boats Hornet on the way, there’s lots to look forward to this coming season.
Nickname: Dick
Boat: Hornet
Best result: National and European Champion
Jon Turner
Jon has a whole load of experiences in many different fleets. Including Albacores, Flying Dutchman, Fireballs, Scorpions, Merlin Rockets and the International 14. From the age of 16 Jon started building boats to innovative designs. These designs have now become industry standard and are used by competitive sailors in the respective classes.
Boat: Albacores, Flying Dutchman, Fireballs, Scorpions and the International 14 (in the past). Currently sailing within the Merlin fleet.
Results: Merlin Rocket National Champion 6 times, 1973 Albacore World Champion, Scorpion National Champion 3 times, 1981 Fireball World Champion, 1985 Flying Dutchman National Champion, 1991 International 14 World Champion, 1993 P O W Cup Winner, 1993 International 14 European Champion.
Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey
With Christian starting from a young age and already competing against Stuart Bithell, Jonny McGovern and Ian Dobson he was able to analyse his sailing and become one of the world’s best. Christian originally started out as a crew and campaigned the 470 and the GP14 but from 2012 onwards he started helming the Fireball and Merlin.
Sam is young, Dynamic and hard working, he has achieved repeated success on the International Stage, through dedication, hard work and a willingness to go that extra inch. After a year campaigning the Nacra 17, Sam injured his back and had to step away. Sam turned back to the fireball winning another silver medal, before winning his second world title in 2014. After this Sam returned to the 470 class where he was selected to represent Great Britain at the ISAF World Championships.
Favourite venue: Looe and Abersoch
Boat: Fireball and Merlin
Christian’s best results: Fireball World Champion, 6 National Championships and Endeavour Trophy Winner
Sam’s best results: Fireball World Champion, Triple European Champion, Enterprise National Champion.
