Perfect conditions

There was some decent breeze today at the Musto Skiff UK Nationals

Following the cancellation of sailing on Saturday due to no wind, the Musto Skiff fleet spent the day on shore in buddy pairing helping tune the new comers to the fleet at their UK National Championship.

Racing today, Monday, got underway on time at 11.00 in 15-21 knots of offshore breeze and brilliant sunshine, which remained for the whole day.

After a general recall the fleet got away on the second time of asking for race four, and immediately split with half the fleet going left and half going right. This was to be the form for the four races held, as the fleet looked for the best shifts on the upwind legs.

Downwind was an exhilarating ride for all, with boats flying downwind in perfect conditions. Racing was very close throughout the whole fleet, with close battles emerging during the day. Dave Poston, Richard Stenhouse, Dan Dixon and Graeme Oliver showed good speed upwind to round in a close group. The battle then ensued for the lead, with Richard Stenhouse eventually winning from Dave Poston.

In identical conditions the fleet got away cleanely in race five and again were headed by Dixon, Stenhouse and Poston with Ian Trotter, Rick Perkins, Gareth Davies in close company. Dan Dixon opened up a big lead on the first downwind leg, but was caught by the fleet when undecided on which side of the second beat to take. Stenhouse again taking the win from Perkins and Davies.

Dave Poston sailed an excellent race to win convincingly from a close battle between Stenhouse and Trotter in race six. With Ian Renilson and Dan Dixon in close company.

Stenhouse showed the fleet how to sail in the conditions in race five, and dominated the race. Whenever the group behind closed, he always managed to control his position in relation to any closing sailor, and won by a comfortable margin.