LIMITED MUSTO
SKIFF EXPERIENCE, SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT ATTENDING
MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS OR NOT?
I bought my first Musto Skiff on May 9th
2008 and have basically spent much of my time swimming
with my vessel. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences
so far and feel that I am slowly but surely improving
with each time we take to the water together.
I decided at the beginning of July to savour the experience
of sailing in the “World Musto Skiff Championship” in
Silvaplana, next to St Moritz in the breath taking Swiss
Alps. Well I have to tell you now that is no surprise
to anyone that I was not crowned “World Musto Skiff
Champion”, but nevertheless, I had the most fantastic
experience and have to say I was made so welcome to
the fleet, and cannot thank everyone for the advice
and ideas I was given to help me improve my handling
and performance in the Skiff.
I understand from attending the AGM which was held during
the championship week on the Tuesday Evening, that many
Musto Skiff helms do not attend big regattas due to
their fear of being embarrassed at how poorly they sail
a Skiff compared to others. One competitor at the meeting
suggested a separate set of races for less experienced
or not so accomplished Musto Skiff helms.
I did not really agree, as I found that I was racing
the same people, more or less, at the rear of the fleet
each race and the biggest problem I had was the amount
of capsizes I suffered compared to others which hampered
my progress throughout the competition. The only real
milestone to improvement, is climbing up the results
table during the whole competition.
Due to the friendly nature of the other competitors,
I found myself been offered not only onshore, but on
the water coaching from some of the Top Competitors
including Ian Trotter, Richard Stenhouse, Graeme Oliver
and Tim Chapman, whilst passing them on different legs
of the races. This indicates to me that this fleet is
keen to help other competitors, even those with very
limited Skiff experience and can only be good for bringing
more new people into the fleet. Richard Stenhouse held
an onshore coaching session one morning, open to everyone.
Others and myself and found it extremely interesting,
learning about race set up for all conditions and being
able to discuss various techniques to get the best from
your skiff.
I know that I need a hell of a lot more practice on
the water, but with the coaching and experience that
I gained at these championships can only prove to be
invaluable and has enhanced my belief that one day I
will “crack” this Musto Skiff sailing.
I also had the misfortune to snap my second tiller extension
and came ashore rather despondent, only to find Paul
Manning running to my assistance and he supplied me
immediately with another one. This was swiftly replaced
by Chris Henderson and I was immediately sent back onto
the water. The back up offered onshore was really second
to none. Many thanks indeed lads!
I would suggest to anybody who may be having reservations
about attending Major Championships that you will definetly
not be seen as a fool and not embarrass yourselves,
but learn far quicker and can have a fantastic time
doing so, even whilst learning at the wrong end of the
fleet. The social side of the event was also very enjoyable
with everyone swapping their skiff experiences over
a few beers.
I am now planning a trip to the Europeans in Garda and
the next Worlds in Melbourne. From my result of 51st
in this years Worlds, it will be interesting to see
if I have taken on board some of what I have learnt
and been coached in Silvaplana, to enable me to improve
on this years position.
Tom Conway GBR080
Below - Tom & Ian Trotter make good
use of the lay day ...
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