18ft Skiff Nationals at Hayling Island Sailing Club Preview
by Alec Mckinlay 21 May 2009 15:22 BST
23-25 May 2009
The UK 18ft skiff fleet will be descending on Hayling Island this bank holiday weekend to compete for the RMW Challenge Plate for their National Championships. Following the solid turn out at the recent Rutlnd SC Open, the full fleet is expected with the exception of Rob Greenhalgh's Holt, (Rob's currently half way across the Atlantic on the Puma VO70) and Dave Chisholm's Carbonology (which is currently undergoing a full rebuild - for more information see below).
The 2009 National Championships is being supported by Carbonology who will be providing some very generous prizes and the fleet will also be provided with head cams and on board video equipment by Predator Headcams.
Carbonology, who in addition to their composite materials supply business are fast developing a reputation in specialist carbon work for high performance skiffs, are currently undertaking a full rebuild of an early M18 skiff, with the aim of bringing the boat up to full international competitive spec without having to spend a fortune. Dave's fascinating detailed blog of his project, complete with step by step photographs of the work can be seen here. It's a must read for anyone interested in high performance boat building or is thinking of doing up an older skiff.
Predator are specialists in hi-end wearable waterproof digital video equipment. Their cameras were recently used to document the cross channel windsurfing record attempt and were on display at the 18ft skiff stand at the Dinghy Show. They will be equipping several boats of the fleet with head and boat cams, so provided the weather gods gods play ball expect footage of the weekend's onboard action which will be available at www.uk18footer.org next week.
First start will be no earlier than 12.55 on Saturday, with at least three back-to-back races planned per day.