Melbourne: Port Phillip Bay, The Brit Perspective

Having arrived back from my honeymoon to the mighty shores of old Blighty I thought I would drop the class a note on the 2010 Worlds venue of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne.

The event started for me getting picked up by the poster boy of the Musto fleet at the airport. After spending a lovely evening with Marcus and Sigrid I was relaxed for my first days sailing in the Musto since Garda. The warm water, sunshine and good breeze did not disappoint. After a couple of training days with some video work it was time to go into the first days racing.

I was impressed with Mark Talyor and Bob Graham on the start boat with their interest in the class and desire to format the racing to suit the boats and sailors. With Bob and Mark in charge on the water for the worlds I have full faith that the racing will be well managed.

Having got to know a number of the Australian sailors in the bar and watching them train in a less than focussed manner I was starting to see the Australian methodology. For the majority skiff sailing appears to be all about the beer, banter and ladies strolling past the yacht club. Even other sailor’s partners are fair game! Needless to say I felt at home. I was impressed with the standard of sailing and there are a few in the fleet that have pushed on some of the manoeuvres. If we are not careful the cup could be going to the southern hemisphere.

The bay off Black Rock Yacht Club is a great championship venue that will ensure an excellent and varied set of conditions throughout the week. During the week we had wind and waves of all strengths and sizes. The only consistent aspect of the venue is that it will be sunny and the event well managed.

I was treated to an excellent event and would like to thank the following people. Thanks must go to Jason Beebe for transporting his boat all the way to Melbourne and allowing me to sail it. I would like to thank Marcus and Sigrid, Richard and Alice Eckberg for accommodating and looking after myself and Debs for the week. I would like to thank all the event organisers and the race committee for running an excellent event. The Musto fleet is in good hands.

There is a video available on Youtube at