Musto Skiff Training Weekend at Whitstable YC – May 14 – 15th

Despite the very poor forecast, 11 boats turned up for the Musto Skiff Training weekend at Whitstable Yacht Club.

The event was run by Musto Skiff regulars Simon Reynolds, Graeme Oliver and Rick Perkins for the benefit of the new owners in the fleet. With so many new sailors trying their hand in this exciting class it is great that the sailors at the front of the fleet are always willing to help those new to the fleet get up to speed.

Saturday dawned with 35mph winds and when the trainers told the guys to get their wetsuits on there wasn’t a lot of movement … so it was time for plan B. A boat was set up in the forecourt of the club and firmly secured to the trolley and seawall to provide a stable base for practicing various manoeuvres. The trainers demonstrated the tack, hoist, gybe and drop in turn and then everyone had a go. The purpose of this exercise was to make sure everyone retained a step-by-step process in their heads as to how to perform each manoeuvre. The common mistake found was a tendency to rush around but over the session it was learnt that it was much better to slow down a bit, make the manoeuvres in steps and, then speed the steps up as you get more practiced.

At about 3pm it was still howling so the rest of the day was used to check the rig set up and fine tuning of everyone’s boats and, to make sure all the systems worked most efficiently. Everyone then retired indoors for some essential bar sailing…

The next morning provided a stark contrast to the conditions of the day before with warm sun and 4-8mph winds. No encouragement was needed to get the fleet on the water and we split up into 3 groups with the trainers coaching directly from their own boats. The manoeuvre processes from the previous days exercises were put into practice and the progress amongst the fleet was very noticeable, with the newcomers soon getting a better grip on the boat. After many tacks, hoists, gybes and drops we were all ready for lunch at 2pm, after which the fleet started the club race to finish off. The trainers kerbed their own competitive instincts to race, to spend the race coaching and advising the others around the course. Congratulations to Grant Foreman who won the race after only a couple of sails in the boat.

All in all the fleet got a lot out of the event and it was also very enjoyable for the trainers to see everyone getting better and thoroughly enjoying the boat. With the Musto Skiff Open meeting at Whitstable YC this coming weekend, we hope to see the new faces getting stuck into the fleet.