Musto Skiff GBR EuroCup Leg 2 during the Lord Birkett at Ullswater
by Dan Trotter 8 Jul 2015 14:20 BST
4-5 July 2015
53rd Lord Birkett at Ullswater © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
On the 4th and 5th July a record breaking fleet of over 230 boats gathered to compete at the 53rd Lord Birkett at Ullswater Sailing Club. In amongst them was a keen fleet of Musto Skiff sailors who were competing for Northern Euro Cup points.
Sailors arrived on Saturday to lots of rain and no wind however by the 1pm start time the wind had filled in as promised and the sun was shining. After a general recall the race got underway with Jono Shelly showing great upwind speed to lead round the island with Dan Trotter and Ben Schooling in pursuit. Gusty conditions and big wind shifts gave the fleet a hard time, causing many of the fleet to capsize, but Jono demonstrated great boat handling and went on to win the race followed by Dan and Ben.
After a hard days sailing everyone enjoyed a fantastic hog roast put on by the sailing club and treat themselves to one or two beers whilst watching the live band.
Sunday's race got underway in lighter conditions with Dan Trotter taking an early lead. Gusty shifty conditions gave everyone a turn at the front up the first beat however it was Ben Schooling who came out on top with a commanding lead round the island. Ben's lead was short lived as the wind died and the fleet bunched back together; Jono Shelly then had a brief spell at the front before Ben showed great speed to pull away with a comfortable win in the end, followed by Jono and Dan.
The results meant that Jono came out on top of the Euro Cup and Ben was first Musto in the event with an impressive 8th place finish.
Many thanks to Ullswater Sailing Club who put on a fantastic event yet again.
Full results can be found here.
More Tim Olin photos can be found here.