Article by the International Musto Skiff Class Association
Later this month, sailors from all over the world will be coming together to compete in the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championship 2024, to be hosted in the UK by Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) from 14th – 20th July.
Over 70 Musto Skiffs have now registered for the annual regatta, with sailors representing several nations including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Armenia, South Africa, and Australia. With the event just weeks away, we spoke to GBR sailor Bill Maughan to find out how he’s preparing for the Championship, where he’s hoping to finish after his podium place at last year’s Worlds at Lake Garda, and his predictions for the 2024 Worlds.
What preparations have you made to get ready for the up-coming 2024 Worlds at Weymouth and Portland?
Preparation has been far more limited than I would have liked for the Worlds, though I’m certain I won’t be the only competitor in that boat! I haven’t sailed much this past month or two, but the recent UK Nationals was a great kickstart back into it. I’ve since been getting out as much as possible, albeit once or twice a week, and I intend on getting some last-minute sailing done in the week leading up to it. My preparation is somewhat like my revision techniques of old; cram it in the night before! Aside from time on the water, I’m doing my best to get into the gym and put in some fitness training to get me through the long windy days!
You had a great result at last year’s Musto Skiff Worlds in Garda, finishing on the podium in 3rd place. Have you set yourself a target for this year’s Worlds? Where are you hoping to finish?
I had done a lot of training in the lead up to Garda, and I knew it would suit my size—windy. I went into that event with a Top 10 target, so I was thrilled with a podium finish. Weymouth will prove to be a different challenge, I think, hopefully with some variable conditions to level the playing field between the weight ranges. I’m loosely targeting a Top 10, but reading through the entry list online, it becomes obvious that those slots will be hotly contested! We’re very lucky to have such a competitive fleet all the way through the ranks.
You recently took on the role of the UK Musto brand and class ambassador for the 2024 season. One of the benefits of this role is the chance to try out some of Musto’s latest dinghy kit. How are you enjoying the Musto kit for this season?
The Musto kit I’ve been using is the best I’ve ever had. I seem to be able to get away with a thinner wetsuit at much cooler temperatures, so even in the winter months it isn’t restrictive at all. The layering options are also great. I usually mix and match top and bottoms between conditions to best suit the day. Super impressed with it and would recommend it to anyone.
Earlier this year, the class decided to move to a square top mainsail. How are you finding sailing the Musto Skiff with the new mainsail design?
Truthfully, I haven’t found the new sail a whole lot different. I do believe there is a marginal gain in using it in light to medium conditions, as I’ve sailed close to others on the old-style sail and been noticeably quicker, but when it gets windy, it seems to level back out. Admittedly, my comparison is limited, and there are plenty of opinions out there on the sail’s performance. It certainly looks great!
Finally, what’s your prediction for this year’s ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championship?
It doesn’t take a genius to look at Sam Pascoe’s results this year and call him the favourite to win. His consistency across regattas, both fleet racing and handicap racing, has been outstanding. I’m certain he won’t be left to run away with it, though, as the Nationals showed, Sam Barker is nipping at his heels. I’m sure we will see Rob Richardson somewhere up top. I notice Rick Peacock has also entered; could he be the one to take it away? Danny Boatman is also lightning quick when the breeze is up, so I’m certain weather will be a factor!
How to enter the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championships
Entry is still open for the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championship 2024, which includes a Pre-Worlds on the 14th of July followed immediately by World Championship racing over the 15th to 20th of July. Entry also includes organised socials across the event week, as well as a Gala Dinner on the Friday evening featuring a special guest speaker—more details to be announced soon!
Entry is available online at https://webcollect.org.uk/msca. A 50% discount for youths (aged 25 or under on 1st of January 2024) is available until the entry closes on 14th July 2024. You can access the NOR and more event details on the class event guide at https://mustoskiff.com/2024-worlds/
Look out for our next sailor interview with GBR sailor Dan Vincent, who will share what he’s most looking forward to about returning to WPNSA for a World Championship, as well as his prediction for this year’s podium and the top performers across the fleet. Will Dan agree with Bill’s prediction for a Sam Pascoe win? We’ll know the answer to that one for sure in a few weeks’ time!
Feature image: Bill Maughan – ACO 12th Musto Skiff World Championship 2023 / © Annamaria Ramy
