2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championship at Restronguet Sailing Club - Day 1

2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Restronguet Day 1 © Ian Symonds

Dan Trotter on 2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Restronguet Day 1 © Ian Symonds

The 2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships sees the fleet heading Southwest to Restronguet Sailing Club in Falmouth, a venue known for its stunning scenery, epic sailing area, and friendly people. It's no wonder that 42 skiffs arrived to see what this place is all about, with some taking mammoth road trips to get here (hats off to all the Scottish on this one!).

With racing scheduled for Thursday morning, many of the sailors arrived a day or two early to get some last gasp practice in. On Wednesday, after a biblical storm blew by, some sailors looked to get one up on their rivals and take their training to the next level with a star-studded pre-event coaching session, run by Alain Sign. The light to medium breeze allowed the guys to hone their technique, and Alain's classroom sessions provided some top tips to take into the regatta - thanks Alain!

Setting the scene for day 1 of the regatta: Three races were scheduled in Falmouth Bay with a 1pm start. Wind at mean bearing of 230 degrees, 6-10kts, and significant swell hangover from the recent storms. Sunny spells with cloud and rain (sometimes heavy) from mid-afternoon.

Race 1

After multiple failed attempts at starting, where an ebb tide in the mouth of the River Fal provided more 'push' than many gave it credit. The black flag reared its ugly head, pinged a handful on its first showing and bagged a few more on its second outing, but this time sufficiently clean (i.e., not downright dirty) for PRO Ralph Singleton to allow the fleet (and the championship) to get under way.

Big oscillations in the wind, +/- 20 degrees and variations in pressure proved key in breaking up the fleet. Dan Vincent led into the top mark closely followed by Fynn Sterritt and Bill Maughan. Jamie Hilton and Bruce Keen showed up well on the downwind to knock on the door of the leaders before reeling them in over the next lap. Bruce sailed round Jamie on the final beat hitting the left corner hard to take a commanding lead.

Hilton rounded second but with a chasing pack of Fynn, Ben Schooling, and Eddie Bridle. Bruce secured his win unchallenged down the final run, with Eddie overhauling Hilton who fell foul of the weed for second and third respectively. Josh Belben sailed a brilliant last lap to take 4th, with Fynn taking 5th place in his first return to the fleet since 2019.

Race 2

The second race was then abandoned after the wind veered 120, before flip-flopping back and forth as passing rain clouds took their hold on things. Kites were hoisted on the second 'upwind' leg, before beating and running down the second 'downwind'. Abandonment was inevitable.

With just one race completed, the fleet was sent home at 4pm, as it was clear the breeze wasn't going to stabilise. The long sail (tow) in was followed by a very welcome bowl of pasta at the sailing club, followed by the usual antics from the fleet, chatting to their newfound 'buddies' from the planned pairings as part of this year's 'buddy system', and sharing tips for day two.

Tow back in on day 1 of the 2023 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Restronguet - photo © Ian Symonds

A spicy Friday forecast meant that many of the sailors called time on their evening at a sensible(ish) time. Four races are scheduled in the harbour for day two of the regatta, so after the next few races, the results could look wildly different. Watch this space!

Results after Day 1: (one race)