Class update by IMSA International Committee
For those that are attending, we have less than a week to go until the start of the ACO 12th Musto Skiff World Championships 2023 at Torbole, Lake Garda! The event starts on the 15th July with a Pre-Worlds for practice racing, followed immediately by the World Championships starting on Sunday 16th, through to Friday 21st July.
Are you ready for it….?
Here’s a pre-event checklist of things to consider and do to get yourself ready for the event, and to ensure you have a fantastic week of sailing and holiday time in the stunning Italian Lakes.
1) Entry Closing Date - 10th July
For any late entries (you never know!), or those that are on their way, but forgot to enter (it happens!), entry for the 2023 Worlds closes at midnight 10th July 2023. Any entries after this will be at the sole discretion of the OA.
Enter here: https://webcollect.org.uk/msca/event/2023-musto-skiff-world-championships
Please make sure you have registered AND paid for you entry.
2) Crew Admin
Make sure you have your own crew admin in check – insurance, border entry forms, etc. For the things you need to do, see the Crew Admin section on the 2023 Worlds event guide here and refer to the NOR on the event host website here.
Also, make sure you are familiar with the latest class rules! They are available on the World Sailing website here.
3) EU Border & Customs Requirements (UK sailors)
For those travelling from the UK to the event, you have some extra admin for entering the EU. Make sure you’ve done all the required paperwork for border entry and customs.
Here’s some advice on this*: https://mustoskiff.com/2023-worlds-advice-for-uk-sailors-travelling-to-lake-garda
* This information is provided as advisory information for the class members, and guidelines and requirements can change at any time. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure they have the correct paperwork and they are following the latest procedures and requirements for travelling between the UK and the EU.
4) Class Rules
It goes without saying, but make sure you are familiar with the latest class rules.
The latest Musto Skiff class rules are available on the World Sailing website here.
5) Road Tolls
If driving through Austria to get to Lake Garda, don’t forget to pay for and display your Vignette (mandatory Austrian road toll pass). If you didn’t get one in advance, you can easily buy one from service stations on the way – but do it before you enter Austria! See here for pricing: https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/
There may also be road tolls for other countries you pass through, so always check your route before you set off to avoid fines. Google Maps is helpful for this and planning alternative toll free routes, where possible.
6) Trailers & Towing
Always check your trailer is in good condition before you travel and tow your boat. For example:
– Are your trailer wheels fully pumped up?
– Are all the bolts on the trailer frame tight and secure?
– Have you strapped your boat down securely?
– Do your lights work on your trailer board?
Always carry a spare trailer wheel and some tools in case you have any problems and need to stop somewhere to fix anything or change a flat tyre.
Also be mindful of different speed limits as you cross through different borders – especially when towing boats.
7) Roadside Assistance - Be covered and know the rules
If you are driving to the event, make sure you have sufficient breakdown cover for Europe, as well as the necessary requirements to stay safe and prepared for any breakdowns on route, such as having a hi vis reflective vest and warning triangle. This is also a legal requirement in France.
Here’s more information on accident and breakdown rules in France: https://www.drive-france.com/faqs/accident-or-breakdown/
8) Boat Condition & Ovington Support
It is also advisable to check that your boat is in good condition before you travel to the event and bring any spares you might need. Whilst Ovington reps will be on hand during the 2023 Worlds to support the class as needed, some spares may be more limited than in previous events due to post-Brexit restrictions.
The Ovington reps attending this years event will be Bill Maughan and Sam Barker. Whilst Bill and Sam are sailing in the event, both will be on hand to assist you with spares or boat-related issues each race day in the mornings and after sailing.
The fleet is also a very friendly bunch, so if you need something during the event, just ask around and see who can help you out or lend you / give you what you need.
9) Registration, Equipment Inspection, and Measurement
Registration, equipment inspection and measurement are available on Fri 14th & Sat 15th. See the NOR for times and details.
The NOR and SIs are both available on the host website on the Circolo Vela Torbole regatta page here. (Note – The SIs will be published just before the event).
10) Race Schedule
The Pre-Worlds practice races are on Sat 15th, and the World Championships racing starts from Sun 16th (final race day on Fri 21st). See the NOR for times and details.
Here’s an overview of the planned race scheudle:
Practice Races – 2023 Pre-Worlds
- Saturday 15th July – 1 Day (2 races)
Championship Races – 2023 Worlds
- Sunday 16th July – Race Day 1 of World Championship (3 races)
- Monday 17th July – Race Day 2 of World Championship (3 Races)
- Tuesday 18th July – Race Day 3 of World Championship (3 races)
- Wednesday 19th July – Lay day (flexible based on weather conditions)
- Thursday 20th July – Race Day 4 of World Championship (3 races)
- Friday 21st July – Race Day 5 of World Championship (2 races)
The race schedule may be subject to change. Please check the latest version of the Sailing Instructions (SIs) before the event.
11) Skippers Meeting - 18th July, 7.30pm*
This year’s Skipper’s Meeting at the Worlds is (provisionally) planned for Tuesday 18th at 7.30pm.* (Venue to be confirmed). This will include an update from the international committee, as well as the Ovington reps, with time for a sailor Q&A at the end.
The meeting shouldn’t be more than 1 hour, but it depends on the Q&A. Grab a beer or a soft drink, and join us to hear the latest class updates, share your ideas on the class, and ask any class-related questions.
For those that can’t attend the 2023 Worlds, meeting minutes will be shared with class members following the event. These will be added to the class website on the International Committee page here.
* This date and time is provisional and will be confirmed at the event.
12) Event Socials
Extra tickets for family and friends to join you for the social dinner evenings will be made available upon arrival at the sailing club (CVT). The CVT hosts will announce social plans and ticket prices each day.
The provisional organised social dinner schedule are as follows:
- Saturday 15th July – Pre-Worlds Prize Giving and Buffet
- Sunday 16th July – Opening Ceremony and Reception Buffet
- Tuesday 18th July – BBQ
- Thursday 20th July – Gala Dinner
- Friday 21st July – Prize Giving
At least 1 x ticket to each of the organised social events is included in your entry fee. After sailing snacks will also be provided for all entrants at the end of each race day.
Remember that we are also sharing the event week with the B14s, so you’ll have even more people to swap sailing stories with at the bar
13) GPS Tracking via SailRacer GPS
As announced recently, we have arranged for GPS tracking via SailRacer GPS at this year’s event.
Some rules and / or guidance may be added to the SIs for using the GPS trackers, so make sure you read the SIs properly before the event. SIs will be published a couple of days before the event here.
14) Sponsor Stickers on boats
Check the SIs for guidance on mandatory sponsor stickers for your boat. This is part of class event sponsorship agreements and must be added correctly before boat and equipment inspections.
This includes 4 x ACO stickers (1 on either side of your mainsail + 1 on either side of your bow) and 2 x Ovington stickers (one either side of your boom). These stickers are provided by the IMSCA and will be distributed at registration.
15) Environmental Awareness
Please do your bit to maintain the beauty of the lakes, the sailing club, and the future of the environment. Some things to consider:
– Secure any plastic drinking bottles properly on your boat
– Never discard plastic bottles, energy bar wrappers, or rubbish in the lake
– Always dispose of any rubbish responsibly (including boat tape, plastic packaging, etc,)
– Don’t leave water hoses running when not in use
For everything else, check out the event guide page here, or get in touch with one of the international committee team who will be happy to answer any questions or point you in the right direction.
Safe travels everyone, and we very much look forward to welcoming you to Torbole for a great 2023 Worlds event!
Ciao!
The International Committee
Feature photo: Musto Skiffs at the 2015 World Championship in Lake Garda / © Tim Olin
