18ft Skiff Solent Grand Prix Series Round 6 at Calshot
by Tom Kiddle 1 Oct 2018 19:13 BST
29-30 September 2018
A reduced test fleet was welcomed by a glassy Solent for a trial event of 'round the cans' fun. With the wind only forecast to peak at 7 knots, it was big rigs all round as the fleet prepared in the sun.
The first beat was in a straight 7 knots, but the wind started to dwindle which led to some snakes and ladders. The Time Genie were leading before a misnavigation meant they sailed to the wrong mark letting ChameleonI through. ChameleonI couldn't hold The Time Genie off by the end and let them through before the finish. The green team had let the fleet slip away after a hold up caused by a slight over keenness to avoid the adverse tide, this being then compounded by the dying breeze.
On Sunday more round the cans races were trialled on a slightly smaller course and with a much a steadier 8-10kts, it made for some exciting racing.
The fleet sailed round a combination of a laid start/finish, Coronation, Rig it Rigging, William and Hamble Yacht Services in two races.
The first race was more of an orienteering exercise with ChameleonI coming out top scout to take the win. Second race they looked in for a win too, having overhauled the fast starting Green Team after their kite snagged on the first hoist. The Time Genie also took advantage of the Green skiffs kite woes and went on to hunt down Chameleon in the last few tacks after over an hours racing.
With their win from yesterday, The Time Genie take another Solent Grand Prix Series win to add to their impressive tally for the year.
Great racing that will only get better with some tweaks. A huge thanks to all that have made this a success. Calshot Activity Centre have been excellent hosts all seasons for the fleet and it has proved an amazing venue to run some of the best Skiff racing in the U.K. in many years. Thanks also to our fleet sponsors Gold Sails, TeamO and AC Rigging and Coaching for their support getting racing together and donating great prizes and post sail beers.