After the fleet was held on the beach for a delay to allow the breeze to come in, the skiffs got clean off the start with only Chameleon-i over the line having to return. Union Rose trailed Pica throughout the race to the finish in their bid to get their feet on the second step of the podium.

 

The second race was a clear start in a very steady but light breeze. McLean's LED came out smelling of roses at the top mark, but ran over the buoy and let the fleet through whilst also fouling Jarrod Simpson. Chameleon-i sailed on to take the race win securing their second place overall, beating Union Rose by only two points. The Rutland Chandlery also picked up two thirds on the final day to bring them back in the bronze medal position.

 

After a quick pack up, prize giving was held in the club bar. English Braids kindly sponsored prizes for the top three teams and the 'Furthest Travelled' trophy went to Dave Jobson for coming all the way down from Bolton.

 

The fleet would like to thank Paignton Sailing Club for being so welcoming and the amazing shore crew for helping get the boats in the water. Ian Bullock was a great Race Officer and got the fleet off to a full series of races with some very tricky conditions. The fleet would also like to thank VRsport.tv for putting on some stunning footage of the boats throughout the weekend.

 

The next event for the skiffs is back to Stone Sailing Club on the 20th and 21st August as the run up to the last event of the season two weeks later in Poole, Sandbanks. All details of the rest of the season and what the class is about can be found at uk18footer.org VRsport.tv were onsite for the full event with daily videos - quayside interviews with National Champions and Tom Hill with a round up of what is so special about sailing an 18 foot skiff.