Gold Cup
- Lake Garda - September 23rd - 26th 2004
 The
Musto Performance Skiff Gold Cup has attracted 37 entries
from 6 nations.
International coach Mark Rushall has organised a 3 day
training camp prior to the racing. Most of his time
was spent with sailors new to the class, helping with
sailing technique and boat handling skills. The remainder
of the training camp was spent one on one coaching of
the more experienced sailors. Even Olympic 49er medal
winning sailor Simon Hiscocks was keeping a close eye
on proceeding for any top tips, as he is new to the
class. The training has been a great success, and the
class would like to thank Mark for his help, on what
will become a regular feature of the classes major regattas.
Day 1
The weather was superb for coaching; however, day 1
of racing has been abandoned due to inconsistent breeze.
The only winner being Kevin Anderson who won this seasons
Hyde sponsored mainsail prize.
 Day
2
The Musto Performance Skiff class started early on day
2, to best make use of the 20 knot 'Peler' wind from
the north of Lake Garda. The wind stayed throughout
the day, enabling the class to sail in near perfect
conditions. As well as a pasta lunch between racing.
Racing was dominated by Richard Stenhouse, who has turned
the tables on his close rival Kevin Anderson, current
UK National champion, by winning 3 of the 4 races. Iain
Turnbull has been his closest rival today winning race
3, but racing has been close throughout the fleet.
Day 3
The evening before day 3 the Musto Performance Skiff
class held their class party hosted by Piccolo Hotel
and Ovington Boats, so the scheduled start of 12.00
was well received by all.
Racing was under way soon afterwards in perfect afternoon
conditions. The southerly breeze initially filling in
to 15-18 knots, and then dropping to 5 knots allowed
the scheduled 4 races to be held.
Richard Stenhouse continued to show consistent form
in all conditions. But was under considerable pressure
in the lighter winds scoring an 11th in race 7.
 Day
4
The final day of racing for the Musto Performance Skiff
Gold Cup was held in classic Lake Garda early morning
conditions.
With the wind speed on the limit of the class maximum
and a steep lake chop, the skiff's flew around the two
scheduled races. There were a few dramatic pitch poles
as the boats charged downwind surrounded by a lake full
of wind surfers and kite boards.
This event has been dominated by Richard Stenhouse,
who has demonstrated awesome boat handling and combined
with good boat speed continued to have the edge over
the pack.
Again the class has attracted high quality International
sailors with British, Germans, Swiss and Spanish filling
the top ten overall.
The class was also pleased to entertain Ron and Kelly
Radko from North America, and along with other new comers
enjoyed the great class hospitality.
Results
1 st Richard Stenhouse GBR
2nd Ian Turnbull GBR
3rd Kevin Anderson GBR
4th Gabriel Wicke GER
5th Roger Oswald SUI
6th Graeme Oliver GBR
7th Martin Boatman GBR
8th Ian Renilson GBR
9th Rick Perkins GBR
10th Pablo Arandia ESP
See the
full results >>>
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