18ft Skiff UK National Championship at Paignton Sailing Club - Day 1

18ft Skiff Nationals at Paignton day 1 © VR Sport Media

18ft Skiff Nationals at Paignton day 1 © VR Sport Media

Three bullets for "Perfect Pica"

Stunning conditions welcomed the nine boat fleet at Paignton on Day One of the 18ft Skiff UK National Championship 2016. As a steady 10-12 knot gradient wind established, the English Riviera was on top form with temperatures hitting the mid 20's and four back to back races.

With several new boats and returning teams it was always going to be interesting to see who would find form early. Nick Murray's English Rose team, helmed by Jarrod Simpson and Matt Barker in the front, weathered the shifty conditions to find their way to an unassailable lead in Race One holding off Graham Bridle in Chameleon finishing a strong second with a late charge from Stewart Mears on Pica in third.

Jarrod, Nick and Matt again showed good pace at the start of Race Two leading round the windward mark followed by Pica and Steve McLean on LED. Smart downwind tactics saw Pica pick up more pressure and take the lead to the end of the race with LED and English Rose close behind.

The third race saw a drop in pressure and teams working hard to keep everyone on the wire, Mears held a strong lead throughout, however, places were hotly contested for 2nd and 3rd with Chameleon just gaining the advantage over English Rose.

Final race of the day was set off in a forever decreasing breeze. The last leg proved tricky with two boats being left in a hole of no breeze at the bottom mark, finishing much later than the top boats.

The skiffs headed back in with what was left of the breeze and were welcomed into Paignton Sailing Club for a restock of pasta and beer after a long days racing. Forecast for Day Two is even lighter but the PRO is hopeful to get racing off at 1pm. VRsport.tv are onsite for the full event with daily videos - quayside interviews with the teams from Pica and Chameleon on Day One.

Results after Day 1: