Noble Marine Musto Skiff UK National Championships at Largs Sailing Club - Day 1
by Ben Schooling 6 Sep 09:09 BST
Largs are hosting the 2019 National Champs with 36 boats entered. The forecast was looking punchy and didn't disappoint with the fleet launching in 18-22kts with some of the older and wiser heads decided to stay ashore.
The PRO made the logical call to hold the racing in Largs channel rather than the North face of Cumbrae but that meant the windward marks were squeezed tight up on the shore making for some challenging approaches.
Race one got away promptly and local hero Jono Shelley rounded first with Ian Turnball who then gybe-set and took off in a gust. Jamie Hilton threaded his way up the shifts on the second beat to overtake the two front runners and hold on for the win with Andy Turbo Tarboton second and Shelley third.
Race two and the wind had abated a little. Stu Keegan was first out the blocks and headed left picking a great lay-line to lead round the windward from Dan Vincent. At the finish Keegan had extended for his first Nationals bullet with Shelley second and Dan Trotter third.
Race three and a few of the wiser heads were coaxed off the beach right in time for the wind to show its true colours with +30kt gusts. Marking his return to the fleet, Brian Greensmith led round the windward but overshot the lay-line to let Turnbull through. Some spectacular pitch-poles ensued round the next two laps including Turnbull and by the finish Shelley took the gun from Turnbull and Tarboton.
The fleet enjoyed a hearty Scottish dinner and a few beers and early bed with another full on day in store for tomorrow.
Thank God Bruce Keen's not here!