ACO Musto Skiff Worlds at Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy - Day 5

Bruce Keen wins the ACO Musto Skiff worlds in Weymouth © Tania Samus / www.photoskiff.com

ACO Musto Skiff worlds at Weymouth day 1 © Tania Samus / www.photoskiff.com

Bruce Keen wins

The morning after the night before; last night the class hosted a gala dinner for 180 competitors and friends as well as guests of event sponsor ACO who had invited Sir John Armitt Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority. The dinner was a huge success and the assembled were well entertained by double medalist Simon Hiscocks who was the after dinner speaker. Simon also hosted a charity auction in aid of CRASH the homeless charity nominated by ACO. The auction raised £1,600 and special mention must go to Nigel Walbank who not only donated a stunning pair of Bolle sunglasses to the lots, but also very generously bid for two lots totalling £712.

The final day of the ACO Musto Skiff World Championship dawned with sun and wind and many happy competitors as the conditions here at Weymouth looked perfect for skiff sailing. The wind was a good 16 - 20 knots and the racing was scheduled to be inside the harbour.

With 6 races on the board 4 were scheduled for the final day and the fleet launched with plenty of drink and energy bars on board to see them through the day.

The first race got away under an individual recall. At the first mark Wright had a good lead followed by Keen & Stenhouse, at the next windward Wright was extending followed by Keen and Newman who had overhauled Stenhouse for third. At the finish these positions stood.

The second race of the day got away with an individual recall; at mark one Keen lead from Martinez and Peake. Wright again was on a charge and pulled through for the win from Keen and Peake.

The conditions were now getting even more fresh with white caps everywhere and the fleet bouncing around on the chop. Although 4 races were scheduled it looked likely that this 3rd race would be it, as the conditions were following the forecast and building to 25 knots.

Going into the race Stenhouse still lead on points but it was all to play for... At the first mark Keen lead from Oliver, on the next lap Keen still lead followed by Newman and Oswald; Stenhouse held 6th which was not a winning combination ... Stenhouse needed to finish 3rd to take the win.

The conditions on the final run were very rough with boats on the limit as they charged downwind... Keen crossed the line then sat and watched hoping none of the boats between him and Stenhouse would fall victim to a capsize.

As it was the leaders all came streaming over the line with Newman second and Oswald third. Stenhouse could only manage 6th which meant Bruce Keen had taken the title by 2 points, congratulations Bruce!

The skiff fleet also runs Silver and Bronze fleets which gives everyone something to race for. In addition there are age categories for youth, master and grand master.

All that remains to be done is to thank the event title sponsor ACO, the marine sponsor Harken, WPNSA for their fantastic hospitality and David Campbell-James and his race team for their faultless race management.

See photos from the event at www.photoskiff.com/sailing/weymouth12

Overall Results: