Origins and Growth
The B14 was designed in 1986 by Julian Bethwaite, an 18ft skiff champion, and launched in Australia in 1987. The boat quickly gained popularity for its exhilarating performance, innovative design, and accessible high-level racing. Fleets soon expanded beyond Australia, notably to Japan and Hong Kong. In 1993, Rondar Raceboats Ltd introduced the B14 to Europe, further growing the class's international presence.

Early World Championships
The B14's world championship circuit began in 1998 at Weymouth, UK. The event then moved to Sydney in 2000, Lake Garda, Italy in 2001, McCrae, Victoria in 2003, and returned to Lake Garda in 2004. The class established a tradition of rotating its world championships between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres approximately every 18 months.

2006–2016: Expansion and Rivalry
Sydney hosted the 2006 Worlds at Woollahra Sailing Club, where UK crews swept the podium. The 2007 event returned to the UK at Restronguet Sailing Club, Falmouth, offering challenging Channel conditions. In 2009, Hobart, Tasmania, hosted a record 52-boat fleet, marking the first Australian victory at the Worlds. Carnac, France, hosted in 2010, with Australia defending its title. The 2013 Worlds in Plerin, France, saw the UK reclaim the championship. McCrae, Victoria, hosted again in 2015, with Australian crews dominating the podium. The 2016 Worlds at Lake Garda featured the largest-ever Australian contingent at a Northern Hemisphere event, with fierce competition between UK and Australian teams.

2018–2023: Continued International Competition
The 2018 World Championships were held at Port Dalrymple Yacht Club, Beauty Point, Tasmania, drawing a strong international fleet. The class maintained its tradition of alternating hemispheres for the Worlds, with subsequent championships held at premier venues in both Europe and Australia. The B14 continued to attract competitive sailors, with the UK and Australian fleets remaining especially strong contenders.

In 2023, the B14 class enjoyed a standout season in the UK and Europe, including European and World Championships at Lake Garda. The class saw increased participation, with over 800 members in its Facebook group, reflecting growing interest and engagement. The Lake Garda Worlds showcased the B14's enduring appeal, with competitive racing and strong representation from both hemispheres.

2025: Sydney Hosts the World Championships
The 2025 B14 World Championships were held on Sydney Harbour, with teams from Australia, the UK, and Europe competing for the title. The regatta, hosted by Woollahra Sailing Club, ran from January 6th to 10th, following the Australian National Titles and Pre-Worlds (January 1st–4th) and racing took place against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour—the B14's birthplace. Chris Bateman and Lucy Loughton, sailing Squirrel for Ireland, claimed victory at the 2025 World Championships. At a combined age of just 54, they became the youngest team ever to win the title. With a total crew weight of only 138 kg, they were also the lightest champions in the event’s history. Notably, they are the first team representing Ireland—and the first from outside Britain or Australia—to secure the World Championship.

Present and Future
The B14 remains one of the world's fastest two-person, body-sailed dinghies, offering high-quality, affordable one-design racing. The class is recognized for its innovative design, international camaraderie, and commitment to rotating world-class events between hemispheres. As of 2025, the B14 continues to thrive, attracting new sailors and maintaining its reputation for competitive, exhilarating racing at top venues worldwide.