Harken Musto Performance Skiff Nationals at Paignton Sailing Club Overall

Harken Musto Skiff Nationals winner, Bruce Keen © Paul Manning

Harken Musto Skiff Nationals prize winners © Paul Manning

Final day dolphins and breeze!

The boats were met by a pod of dolphins as they launched this morning into a fresh and rather overcast Torbay.

After a short postponement, the fleet got away for race 10 at the first attempt under a U flag, with the majority opting to head left. Event overall leader, Bruce Keen, led at the leeward gate, closely followed by Dave Poston and Richard Stenhouse. A squall came across the race course that peaked at 31kts but the fleet coped well in these conditions, completing the downwind legs in 8 minutes. At the finish, Keen took the win from Stenhouse and Poston.

Race 11 was clear at the start, under U in a solid 15-18kts with regular gusts of 24-26kts. Keen led at the leeward mark from a big group including, George Hand, Jon Simpson, Stenhouse and Poston. Keen continued to show superb speed and boat handling, pulling clear to take the win.

The final race of the championship started under U flag, with one boat UFD. The fleet again opting to head left in gusts of 26-28kts. Keen again led at the leeward gate from Stenhouse and Hand, with these places remaining unchanged to the finish.

The fleet have had superb conditions varying from 5-8kts and big waves, to today's full on blast. However, a regatta can be made by the host club and race team, and without doubt Ian Bullock ability assisted by James Ripley and their event management team from Paignton Sailing Club did a first class job!

Thank you to Paignton Sailing Club, Harken, Musto and Ovington Boats for the support they provide to the class. The UK fleet are now looking forward to Riva del Garda and the 2015 World Championships in September.

Finally, best wishes to Yaroslav Petrov.. He made the amazing road trip from the Russian Black Sea via Kieler Woche to compete in Torbay, he's a hero in our eyes!

Overall Results: