Ben Schooling on Racing in the Sailjuice Winter Series

When the conditions get difficult and unpredictable, Ben Schooling makes Musto Skiff sailing look easy. Part of the reason why is because he’s done a number of editions of the Selden Sailjuice Winter Series, and come mighty close to winning it overall. Andrew Peake is the only Musto Skiff sailor to have won the winter classic thus far back in 2010/11, but Ben is by far the most experienced. He’s finished runner-up and won a number of the big events outright. Here’s what Ben has learned from taking on the rest of the UK dinghy world in some big fleet handicap races…

• The different format of races is really exciting, in particular the pursuit races as the Musto Skiff normally starts near the back so its great fun hunting down the slower boats whilst keeping an eye over your shoulder for the RS800s / Int14s. The Moths are impossible to spot!
• The alternative course layouts over the traditional windward / leeward drag race make it really challenging. The call whether to hold the kite or not and at which point to hoist / drop on a breezy beam reach adds a new dimension and puts a real emphasis on sharp boat handling. It’s an area I’d really like to pursue for class racing, rather than religiously sticking to the same format.
• The alternative mark approaches can also add a new tactical dimension, for instance starboard windward mark rounding where different rules apply.