Scottish Skiff Grand Prix at Kielder Water Sailing Club
by Richard Stenhouse 18 Apr 2008 08:57 BST
12-13 April 2008
Kielder Water Sailing Club, located in the Northumberland National Park, hosted the first 2008 Scottish Skiff Grand Prix event on April 12th and 13th. On Saturday morning 35 boats rigged in-between showers of sleet. Inside the club was a woodburning stove to warm those hands frozen by touching ice cold trailers. The skiff fleet included 10 Mustoskiffs, 6 cherubs, 5 49ers, 2 foiling moths, 2 29ers, 2 59ers. There were 3 races on a windward leeward course.
The wind was from the west, but the shifts and pressure changes over 3 laps meant that helms had to focus constantly on their best course around the track. Richard Stenhouse MPS scored 2 wins. J Reekie MPS won in the 3rd. M Lyons in his 49er was consistent and scored 2,2,3.
The final race that day was a long distance one lap windward leeward. H. Stevenson in an International 14 won convincingly because he took maximum advantage of a strong gust downwind. C. Hepplewhite in a 49er was 2nd and Lyons was 3rd.
After racing, the club members cooked a delicious 2 course meal. There was just enough time after, for a quick Mountain Bike ride. Equiped with night lights, the bikes ripped up the newly opened purpose built trail called ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’ near Kielder Castle.
Sunday was warmer but unfortunately for some,the wind was lighter and and less stable. Racing was postponed until the wind had filled across the course and was more or less from the North. I. Trotter (MPS) won the first 2 lap race, Kit Stenhouse (MPS) won the 2nd and Team Noble (29er) won the 3rd.
Over the whole weekend Kielder Water Sailing Club’s hospitality was excellent and the race management was slick. Thanks to OOD Mike Scott, and assistants his wife Fiona and Paddy Lewis, and the many other helpers.
Overall Results:
1st R. Stenhouse, 15pts
2nd J. Reekie, 20 pts
3rd K. Stenhouse, 25 pts
4th I. Trotter, 27pts
5th & 1st Youth, J. Noble, 34pts
After the event, a few sailors made time to MTB the black run of the Deadwater Trail. This was technically a challenge for those who spend too much of their spare time sailing. Ian Trotter was King of the Hill - the others better get practicing.