ACO Musto Skiff World Championship at Fraglia Vela Riva - Day 1

ACO Musto Skiff Worlds at Lake Garda day 1 © Fleye Aerial Film and Photography

The ACO 6th Musto Performance Skiff World Championships started today in 12 - 16 knots of southerly wind.

With all measurement completed, thanks to a very efficient measurement team headed by class International Measurer Chris Henderson, the fleet left Riva for a 13:00 start and after a short postponement racing got underway.

Following 2 general recalls the fleet got away on the third time of asking with the majority of the heading for the cliffs while some pressed on towards the left on starboard.

The right paid and after the first lap it was Keen (GBR), from Zieher (AUT) and Gonzalez Arroyo (ESP). On the second beat again the majority headed right and then for the run gybe set.

However, with 91 boats on the race track there were plenty of passing opportunities with the hitting of the laylines into the finish being key.

ACO Musto Skiff Worlds at Lake Garda day 1 - photo © Fleye Aerial Film and Photography

At the finish of the first race it was Keen (GBR), from Zieher (AUT) and Gonzalez Arroyo (ESP, with Schwerdt (GER) sailing well to pull through into fourth.

The second race saw the wind build slightly to 16 knots. The fleet starting cleanly.

Conventional wisdom at Garda is to go right towards the cliffs but Tom Conway (GBR) doesn't follow convention and at the first windward mark he had a good lead followed by Stenhouse (GBR) and Keen (GBR).

Going into the final run Conway still lead but the pack was hunting him down with little mercy for his potential landmark victory.

With the fleet splitting and some variable pressure Conway was passed by a few sailors from each side and at the finish it was Keen (GBR), Stenhouse (GBR), Newman (AUS), Peacock (GBR) and Conway (GBR).

The final race of the day was held in the strongest breeze peaking at 17 knots. This time some of the fleet were tempted by a port tack flyer and a small and quality group of three or four crossed the fleet on port and headed for the right.

ACO Musto Skiff Worlds at Lake Garda day 1 - photo © Fleye Aerial Film and Photography

At the first mark Poston (GBR) lead from Keen (GBR) and Hamilton (AUS); all three of these guys were in the port tack gang.

As the breeze held at about 17 knots the fleet stretched its legs and enjoyed some great conditions.

At the finish it was Poston (GBR), Keen (GBR), Hamilton (AUS), Shelley (GBR), Schwerdt (GER) and Robertson (AUS).

The fleet then roared into the club at Riva in the Ora breeze to finish the day...

Sailors, friends, family, race team and helpers are now assembling for a pasta party which will be followed by a buffet and opening ceremony.

Results after Day 1: