Event: 2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships, Restronguet Sailing Club, Falmouth, 21 – 24 September 2023
Report by Bill Maughan
DAY 3 REPORT
Day 3
The penultimate day of racing had a perfect forecast. The breeze had swung a full 180 overnight and began to fill in from the south all morning. With a falling tide, it would be a wind over tide racecourse on the Carrick Roads, meaning it could get lively as the day went on. As the forecast for Sunday still looked ominous, race officer Ralph Singleton scheduled a further four races – another big day ahead.
Race 6 started out with a gentle 8 – 12 knots, shifting around a little, which mixed things up at the top. Those out to the left on the first beat won to the beat, led by Rob Richardson and Eddie Bridle. The downwind leg was full of snakes and ladders through patches of pressure, but Rob and Eddie managed to stay ahead and lead through to the final lap of the three-lap race. The breeze increased by this point, and despite a poor start, Bill Maughan clawed back to third at the final windward. It wasn’t to be for race leader Rob, who fluffed his final gybe and went swimming, allowing Eddie to take the bullet, with Bill Maughan second and Dan Vincent in third.
Race 7 got way in a more consistent pressure. It had clicked a little left and increased from the first race, and the sea started to get a little less forgiving with wind over tide taking effect. Bill Maughan was hot out of the blocks at the pin end, taking good lead into the windward mark. Rob Richardson, keen to rectify the frustration of the previous race, was in pursuit with Bruce Keen following. Bill Maughan extended as the race went on, finishing a long way in front, with Bruce overhauling Rob to take second, and Rob taking third.
Race 8 got underway in similar fashion, although, as per the previous day, the racecourse was lengthened, and laps reduced to two (some tired bodies were very appreciative!). Bill Maughan again got away fast at the pin end but was chased more closely this time by Rob Richardson. Fynn Sterritt and Jamie Hilton also having a close battle behind. The breeze had got up towards 20 knots at this point and sea state was that bit more unforgiving. There was plenty of pressure on at each bear away or gybe, and even straight-line downwind sailing was becoming somewhat more twitchy! There were plenty of hulls on show at each gybing spot, with many of the fleet just happy to stay upright. Bill Maughan kept his cool under pressure and took his second bullet of the day, with Rob second and Fynn third.
Race 9 – As a 9th race meant another discard would kick in, Bill Maughan had a commanding position at the top, but the fight behind for podium spots was ferociously tight. The race got underway, and Jamie Hilton immediately resumed his battle with Fynn Sterritt, the two leading at the windward. The race became a battle of attrition as tiredness set in. Staying upright was the aim of the game. Jamie held on to his lead from Fynn, which would prove vital in the overall results, and Bill Maughan rounded off a blemish free day with a third place.
Ashore there were a handful of sailors thinking that would be it for the week, meaning a good night out in Falmouth was on the cards. Some of fleet headed out to watch the Rugby World Cup, which was enjoyable for the Irish contingent among us; not so much for the South African (sorry Euan!).
Day 3 Results
Top 10 positions after day 3:
- Bill Maughan
- Jamie Hilton
- Eddie Bridle
- Dan Vincent
- Bruce Keen
- Rob Richardson
- Fynn Sterritt
- Euan Hurter
- Brian Greensmith
- George Cousins
Full Results: https://www.halsail.com/Result/Public/73333
Feature Image: 2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships (© Ian Symonds)
