Event: Pre-Nationals Musto Skiff training weekend at Sunderland Yacht Club – 27/28 Aug
Report by Ian Trotter
12 boats gathered for a weekend of pre-nationals training at Sundalucia. The North-East premier sea venue had it all, sun, sea, sand, and a little wind. After a short postponement, the fleet started racing in a light 5 knot breeze where the pecking order was soon established as Ian Escritt stamped his authority on the event and sailed off into the distance to record his first of 4 wins from the 6-race series.
The racing behind Ian was much closer with lots of place changes in all the other races; Dan Trotter and Jon Gay being the only other 2 race winners. The first 3 of the four races sailed on Saturday were convincingly won by Ian who only lost the fourth race due to being a legend and fatigue setting in! Dan Trotter taking the win in what was probably the best wind of the day.
On Sunday the fleet launched into a sea fret but a solid 8-10 knots of breeze; by the time we started the fifth race the wind had started to drop a little, but Jon sailed well to record his first win in the Musto followed by local hero, Billy Maughan, with Escritt coming in third.
The final race of the series was sailed in a light fickle wind as the land and sea breeze fought each other. Ian, once again, showed his mastery of the light winds and recorded another convincing win. As both winds cancelled each other out, the fleet had had enough and returned to shore.
The fleet had to contend with strong tides and shifty light breezes over the weekend, which kept everyone on their toes, but gave those going to the Nationals much needed light wind and starting practice.
Many congratulations to Ian Escritt for showing us his light wind prowess and to Dan Trotter for just getting the better of his dad.
Sunderland Yacht Club, once again, pulled out all the stops showing why it is a favourite venue for the Musto Skiff sailors. Special thanks to the Addison family for the excellent race management and onshore support.
Photo: Podium winners, Dan Trotter, Ian Escritt, and Ian Trotter at the pre-Nationals training weekend at Sunderland Yacht Club (Photo: Bill Maughan)
Overall Results
