The Musto Skiff fleet were the first to
launch at the London Boat Show, for their one hour sailing
on the Victoria docks outside the Excel exhibition centre.
Three races, all to count.
The enthusiastic sailors all reached the
start line with plenty of time to spare. Trying to judge
a pattern and predict the wind was impossible. Any thing
could happen! When the first race set off the fleet
soon split up. Richard Stenhouse soon took control of
the lead, heading right into the stronger and more consistent
wind. Boats all over the place capsizing as the wind
instantly shifted and disappeared shadowed by the tall
buildings surrounding the dock lands. This was not just
a test to see which sailor was the quickest on their
feet but also their fitness and stamina. A tough challenge
after the Christmas break.
Round the windward mark, gybing off for
the breeze, finding the dock wall getting to close for
comfort. Coming up to the side of the dock wall, not
having time to think about anything, throwing the boat
into a gybe, followed by a very sharp powerful gust,
Splash, there goes another. However the sailors that
had time to look back and see this gust rapidly emerging
towards them, gybed early then zoomed off down the dock
risking everything as they were forced to drop to the
knot on the trapeze to miss the £11million sun
seeker.
After the second race all the sailors
started to get a feel for the wind. With the close racing
the event was still wide open. On top of this, because
of the time running out the last race was changed to
one lap, therefore one mistake could cost the event.
Again the pressure was on. The third race brought ultimate
sailing by Dan Henderson leading not just the fleet
but the World Champion Richard Stenhouse just behind.
The two sailors had a good lead. However out of the
blue myself (Tom Wright) managed to perform a gybe just
before the gust, which unfortunately caught Bruce out.
Tom came flying down the docks and hooked around the
leeward mark just behind Richard. The spectators were
going crazy as the three skiffs sailed towards the finish
gate. Dan across the line in 1st place followed by Rich
and shortly after Tom
Results:
Richard Stenhouse - 1st
Dan Henderson - 2nd
Tom Wright - 3rd
Thanks to the sailors that turned up,
Tania & Sergei catching some brilliant shots once
again. The big thanks to Dave Hall who was the foremost
organiser for the event and made it an enjoyable day
out.
When you want the best ...
you can have it
The Musto Performance Skiff is marketed
world wide by Ovington Boats.
Please contact us on +44 7719 594949 or
email us for more details.
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