Report by Bill Maughan
Sunshine, mild conditions and 12-18knts of breeze isn’t what you would normally associate with mid-November, but that’s exactly what was delivered over the weekend at Weymouth Harbour. This made for glamorous conditions to run the Musto Skiff Demo weekend, supported by Ovington Boats and in partnership with the GBR Musto Skiff class association.
The 29er Ovington Championships held at the WPNSA were a prime opportunity for the class to showcase the boat and offer ‘test rides’ to all interested parties. Ovington boats kindly provided two boats, one rigged with a full ‘standard’ sail and one with a prototype small sail for lighter weight sailors to try.
Saturday’s early session provided some great entertainment, with a mix of British Sailing Team members. This included 49er sailor, Rhos Hawes, 49er FX sailor, Saskia Tidey, 49er transition squad member, Richie Thurlby, and a keen 29er parent and sailor, Martin, all having a blast in the stronger breeze. The talent of these guys was quick to see, wire to wire tacking from the get-go. After a few big downhill rides (and more swims than they may admit!), everyone returned buzzing and wanting more.
Thankfully, the breeze dropped a click for the later afternoon session, for which 10 more keen sailors (mostly 29er racers from the day) came out for a ride. It was fairly evident that 40-50kgs is a little light for the boat… but that didn’t stop some very determined young sailors from hitting the rack and having a blast! Some of the older guys managed to get the kite up and fully ‘send it’ too, which would certainly make for some bragging rights back on shore.
Sunday was another day of ‘champagne’ skiff sailing weather, but a little windier than the previous day. Richie Thurlby returned for more, this time bringing his 49er Helm, Sam Jones with him for what turned out to be an epic session.
Check out these Instagram videos shared by Richie Thurlby and Sam Jones showing them both testing the Musto Skiff in champagne conditions at Weymouth. (On some devices, logging into your Instagram account may be required to view these video links)
