As the final day of the ACO MUSTO Skiff World Championships dawned there was great anticipation as the wind forecast looked good and the fleet faced the prospect of 3 or 4 races in a good breeze; and sun …
Given the schedule the fleet loaded up with energy drinks, bananas and baguettes and headed out for the first race in 13 knots.
The fleet got away at the first time of asking under the U flag and was all clear. There was an even split during the first leg but at the windward mark the leaders came in from the starboard layline lead by Dave Poston (GBR), Dan Trotter (GBR) and Tom Wright (GBR).
As the fleet headed down the first run the breeze had built to 18 knots and the chop was creating some challenges for the sailors.
By the end of lap one Poston had extended with Wright and Justo Martinez (ESP) leading the chasers; some of whom had capsized at the gybe point.
At the finish the top 3 was unchanged but critically Lachenschmid (GER) had put in a steady 6th place ahead of overnight second placed Dan Henderson (GBR) in 7th.
However; now we had 8 races on the board a second discard was in place so some of the other competitors who were carrying two poor results would now be in contention for the podium.
Race 9 got away again first time; the fleet were clearly not wanting to waste any time with general recalls on the final day.
At the first windward mark Dan Trotter (GBR) lead from Andy Rice (GBR) and Richard Stenhouse (GBR). The breeze was now holding at a good steady 18 – 20 knots and the boats were enjoying great conditions as the leapt downwind on the waves.
At the leeward mark Trotter and Stenhouse were still firing on all cylinders but Andy Rice was missing, swimming?, and now Dave Poston (GBR) was through into third.
Another high speed lap and the winner of race 9 was a fast charging George Hand (GBR) who scored his third bullet of the regatta from Trotter and Stenhouse.
Lachenschmid (GER) the regatta leader was no-where to be seen and eventually finished in 22nd place with a broken vang …
However, the on-the-water support crew from Ovington Boats were quick to spot his problems and were soon helping out to fix his vang and get him ready for the next race.
The 3rd race of the day (race 10) was to prove the final race of the day with the wind building to 22 – 23 knots … the fleet again spread on the beat with boat speed and handling now being the key … Dave Poston showed great speed and technique to have a comfortable lead on the fleet with Alex Knight (GBR) and Wayne Bates (AUS) chasing hard.
A capsize would have lost the lead for Poston but he didn’t crumple to the pressure of the chasers and held on to record his second win of the day from Tom Wright (GBR) and Alex Knight (GBR) with Andi Lachenschmid (GER) in 4th.
The remainder of the fleet then finished the race with the race officer flying AP over A indicating no further racing for the day and confirming Andi Lachenschmid (GER) as the World Champion.
In the end Lachenschmid won with a healthy 20 point margin from George Hand (GBR) in second and Dave Poston (GBR) and third. In fourth was previous world champion Daniel Henderson (GBR) and fifth position is Tom Wright (GBR) and sixth is Justo Martinez (ESP).
Once back ashore the fleet all helped each out up the ramp and then tucked into some well earned pasta and beer.
Congratulations to Andi Lachenschmid (GER) who is the new World Champion.
The class would like to thank all those who have contributed to a fantastic event; ACO the title sponsors,
MUSTO the class sponsors and Ovington Boats who have provided excellent regatta support from Chris Turner.
Fair play has been ensured by the International Jury, lead by Chris Watts and equipment inspection by Chris Henderson.
The race team lead by Jerome Nutte didn’t put a foot wrong is some challenging weather systems supported by a great team from Yacht Club de Carnac.
Club Manager Francois Pedro and Club Secretary Léonie Le Corre and President Marc Leglise who has lead his team both on and off the water.
Thank you to all.
Full results:
