British American Cup (BA Cup) Team Selected
by Robin Tott 12 Aug 20:08 NZST
British American Cup 2023 © Simon Winkley
The Independent Selection Committee and Royal Thames Yacht Club are delighted to announce that the British Team for the 2025 BA Cup has been selected. The team was selected, in accordance with the published selection protocol, by the independent selection committee; Greg Eaton, Saskia Clark and Tom Williams.
The BA Cup is a team race event like no other. First held in 1921 in 6-metres the event format is largely unchanged with team from Britain and America competing 4v4 in keelboats with spinnakers. By tradition, races last for 45 minutes offering non-stop action that showcases the very best of keelboat team racing. Over the past 104 years, a remarkable list of sailors from both sides of the Atlantic have participated, including Olympians, America's Cup Sailors, World Champions, College All-Americans, and many more.
In 2023, what was expected to be the final match of the 6th Series saw the US team leading 2-1. However, the British team triumphed on home waters, tying the series. Remarkably, the tiebreaker, determined by total race wins across the 4 match series, also resulted in a tie (19.5 points each). So, in a fitting tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we now have an additional, deciding match for the 6th Series — winner takes all!
Tom Partridge, Rear Commodore Sailing at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, said "The BA Cup is a really special event and steeped in history. The Royal Thames is delighted to once again be the British custodian of the event and look forward to hosting what is sure to be close and exciting racing. On behalf of the club I would like to thank the independent selection committee for their diligence and commitment in selecting the team"
British BA Cup Team for 2025
Boat 1
Arthur Henderson (Team Captain & Helm), Tim Gratton (Main), Honor Fell (Jib), Jamie Webb (Bow)
This will be Arthur's 5th BA Cup and his second as Captain. He was 2nd at the Carmela Cup (Keelboat Team Racing National Championships) in 2025. He has a strong crew with a lot of time in the boat together.
Boat 2
Andy Cornah (Helm), Guy Brearey (Main), Jemima Lawson (Jib), Simon Morris (Bow)
Andy is the most experienced BA Cup helm with 11 BA Cups under his belt. Jemima won the last two Lochan Cups and captained the Royal Thames team at the prestigious Thayer trophy.
Boat 3
Murray Hampshire (Helm), Jack Hanslope (Main), Emma Baker (Jib), Calum Healey (Bow)
Murray helmed on the 2023 winning BA Cup team and is also the three time National Keelboat Team Racing champion.
Boat 4
Scott Wallis (Helm), Matt Wallis (Main), Josh Voller (Jib), Rosie Watkins (Bow)
Scott helmed on the 2023 winning BA Cup team and is also the three time National Keelboat Team Racing champion.
BA Cup Selector Tom Williams said "The selectors were impressed by the number of high quality applications. The BA Cup is the pinnacle of keelboat team racing and we're delighted to once again have a strong British team featuring many of those from the victory last time (2023) as well as a number of new members to the Cup team".
Tom Partridge said "Thanks for all of those who applied to be on the team. Whether you were selected or not I would encourage anyone interested in keelboat team racing to come and join us at one of the Royal Thames open events throughout the year. We run events and training for all levels. More information on Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026 open events will be released shortly. Additionally, if you were not selected for this edition of the BA Cup but would be interested in joining in the BA Cup training on 28th September, please contact ".