Musto Skiff FAQ – By Brennan Robinson (+Contributors) (April 2026)
The Musto Skiff is quite literally a handful. There are times when one would benefit from having an additional hand. This is especially true when the spinnaker comes into play.
For those who haven’t quite mastered the Stenhouse finger-technique™, the easiest way of ensuring that your mainsheet doesn’t get left behind when you step out onto the wire, is to physically clip it onto your person.
I have taken the liberty of collecting a few different ways in which people do it, to help provide some inspiration.
1. The Soak Clip
As with most of the clip varieties, it can be attached to the harness by rope of varying lengths. Class stalwart Mark Cooper reportedly kept it attached to his harness in two places (see pic), so that it’s easy to find and handle.
The main advantage is that, if you stand on your mainsheet in a gybe, it just pops out, instead of giving that uncomfortable moment of fixing yourself to the deck.
2. Nab Shackle/Snap Shackle
Another ubiquitous method often attached to the spreader bar. This can be modified to the “Renilson style” with the cut-off bottom. Strong but easy to operate. Hard part is finding bungee that is light enough on the take-up (if you have one) that it isn’t a problem on a reach. One-handed operation to fasten and unfasten and should never accidentally release. Sits low enough to be well out of the way of the hook. Can occasionally be a bit of a faff to get the mainsheet out of it with one hand. Also, because it needs to be released manually, if you stand on the mainsheet or it’s caught on something, you can get stuck mid-stride (can happen more than you might think).
When I used one of these, I did a small, possibly over the top modification of lashing a bit of bungee to the back of it to help it pop open (and stay open):
A similar variant in this vein is the steel snap shackle.
3. The Hilton Harness Hook
Once upon a time I witnessed Jamie Hilton stitching a clip to his harness as you see below. His explanation was that he wanted it co-located with anatomy which he would instinctively know where to find. Which helps explain why he no longer sails on cold days.
Because I have a penchant for bimbling, I borrowed Jamie’s idea and rationale and lashed on a big plastic lacing hook, which has proven to be really easy to get the mainsheet in and out without any thought.
Ultimately, this is all down to preference, but here are some things to consider:
- Some of these are pretty much off-the-shelf items, others require a bit of work.
- Make sure it’s easy to locate and handle. Ideally you should be able to do it with one hand, in one motion, in slippery conditions, with your eyes closed. Giggidy.
- It must be quick and easy to release in the event of a capsize.
- It’s not always needed in all conditions. Some people who have them don’t use them in light conditions or upwind, so keep that in mind when getting used to it.
- Get used to it! Try out a few options, if necessary, but it’s not advisable to arrive at a big event with an untested system.
Special thanks to Mark Cooper, Andrew Scott, Tom Scott, and Jamie Hilton for their contributions to this edition.
Want to get more rigging tips and advice from various Musto Skiff boat owners? Check out our “Pimp My Skiff” page, which is based on the most asked questions within the class.
Got something to ask about the Musto Skiff?
Share your boat related questions with the international class committee at [email protected] and you might just see it featured in a future ‘FAQ: Topic of the Month’ on our class website or in our monthly class newsletter.
Feature image Credit: © Annamaria Ramy
