Article by the International Musto Skiff Class Association
The Musto Skiff class is just days away from hosting their 2024 World Championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), and with over 70 competitors representing several nations, it is set to be a great international regatta.
In recent years, the class and the Worlds events have seen a steady rise in talented youth sailors, and 2024 is also a record year for youths at a Worlds, with 12 entries to date. One of these entries is 19-year-old Alicia Biggs, a talented youth sailor from Stokes Bay Sailing Club who is getting ready to compete in her first Worlds in the class.
Alicia started sailing in the summer of 2017 and prior to sailing the Musto Skiff, Alicia was sailing Toppers, RS200s, 29ers, and any boat she could have a go on!
She had her first sail in the Musto Skiff at the beginning of March this year, which she described as “…very eventful! Gusty, shifty, and squalls coming through—not ideal, but I was super keen to get out!”. However, the well-known steep learning curve did not deter Alicia, and after a few more sails, she quickly got to grips with the boat, competing in her first UK Nationals in June this year!
It’s fair to say she loves sailing, and her infectious enthusiasm for it at the class training and UK circuit events this year has seen her settle into the UK fleet from the get-go. With the UK Nationals behind her, Alicia is now looking forward to competing in the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championships, which is starting this weekend.
We took time out to chat with Alicia to find out how she’s getting along with the boat and how she has been preparing for her first Musto Skiff World Championship.
What attracted you to getting a Musto Skiff?
I was looking for a dinghy that was a bit different from the normal youth format. I wanted a boat that I could sail single-handed. One that gave me a challenge, which it definitely does! The class looked like they had fun and offered a great circuit of competitive racing.
What do you find most challenging about sailing the Musto Skiff?
I would say the most challenging part of sailing a Musto is staying upright! I’ve only been sailing the boat for four months, and I’m still learning the basics. I look forward to the day when it clicks and the manoeuvres work.
What do you find most rewarding about sailing the Musto Skiff?
The most rewarding part of sailing the Musto Skiff is when you can see yourself improving and getting better at the tacks, gybes, and starts! When you can do that, it’s awesome!
Also, a big one for me is when you have got the kite up and pushing it hard downwind! The speed you hit is pretty epic!
What has surprised you the most about the Musto Skiff and the Musto Skiff class?
How fun they are! I knew they were going to be good, but they are a great boat with great sailors. The class is very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge.
What are your goals and targets for this season?
At the moment, it is mastering the manoeuvres, and then I’ll move onto the more technical side and get out on the water as much as possible.
You’ve entered the 2024 Worlds. What are you most looking forward to, and how are you preparing for this?
I’m looking forward to the Worlds for a few reasons. It’s my first international competition, and it will be good fun racing against sailors from all over the world. It’s in my home country, and WPNSA is also a venue where I have enjoyed sailing for the last several years. It was the first place I ever competed. I will enjoy socialising with all the good sailors and friends. I have been sailing as much as possible to prepare for the Worlds and trying to get out most evenings.
Where is your favourite place to sail the Musto Skiff, and why?
WPNSA is my favourite venue at the moment! I had a great couple of days training there and understanding the basics. Also, I went out in 25kts+ winds and absolutely loved it.
What advice would you give to anyone else considering the Musto Skiff?
Go for it! I would definitely recommend it! If you are after a boat that will give you a challenge and you want to have fun, it’s perfect. As long as you don’t mind the first few challenging months learning to sail the boat! If you decide to get one, start doing the events as soon as possible; this is a steep learning curve but the best way to learn. I had only been sailing the boat a week before my first competition. There is also the small mainsail X, which is great. Perfect for lighter sailors.
About the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championship 2024
The Musto Skiff World Championship is an annual regatta with sailors from international fleets invited to participate in five days of racing to determine the World Champion. The 2024 regatta is sponsored by long-term Worlds Event Title Sponsor ACO Group and is taking place over 14th to 20th July at WPNSA in the UK. This year, over 70 Musto Skiffs sailors representing several nations, including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Armenia, South Africa, and Australia are due to take part.
In addition to a Youth category, there will be plenty of opportunities to win a prize this year with other categories including Overall Winners, Silver, Bronze, Master, Grand Master, and Legend. The prize giving is once again supported by Musto who will provide items from their extensive range of cutting-edge performance apparel and dinghy kit. Musto is a long-time Class Title Sponsor and will also be attending the regatta as part of their ‘60 Years of Musto’ celebrations.
For more event details, see the official class event guide at https://mustoskiff.com/2024-worlds/
* Entry closes at midnight on 8th July 2024, but entries may still be accepted at the discretion of the Organising Authority up to 14th July 2024. Contact membership@mustoskiff.com to find out about potential places for late entry.
Feature image: Alicia Biggs – WPNSA Open 2024 / © Tim Olin
