Musto Skiffs at the Stokes Bay Skiff Open 2022

Startline action in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

What a great club Stokes Bay SC is - super friendly members, always helpful to any visitor, great sailing area, and they put on a great weekend for the Stokes Bay Skiff Open 2022 as part of the Musto Skiff Southern series.

We couldn't have been looked after any better.

Day 1

Saturday's forecast was looking fruity for the 23 boats that turned up for the weekend's racing. 18 to 20 knots was the normal with plenty of big gusts coming from the offshore breeze! But it was great to see a race team get us all out and put on some good races. It was also impressive to see so many Musto Skiffs staying out in these conditions.

Dan Vincent in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Andy (Turbo) Tarboton and Dan Vincent put on a master class and had a good battle at the front all day. Dan definitely had his chances to take some wins, but Andy's impeccable boat handling kept him ahead. Robbie Wilson managed to get a couple of thirds before deciding his body wasn't holding up. Big Dave was just behind, followed by Griff Tanner, who is back in the Musto again and definitely knew what he was doing.

Considering the tricky windy conditions, all the fleet did really well. However, the two Richard's were definitely having a day long competition for the most capsizes...I am not sure who won, but I think a dog cuddle was the prize...

Racing in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Back to the club and knackered, we were welcomed with a great meal for all put on by the club's caterers, who were brill all weekend. It was then on to the main event of Dan Vincent's legendary quiz.

Some of us had heard that the Robinson family were quite bright (hard to believe, I know, looking at Brennan), but sure enough they actually were quite talented! Dan was looking slightly wrecked after overdoing it racing youngster, Turbo, but he still managed to crack many jokes and did a great job of keeping everyone awake - just! I think he's got a talent for this.

'Musto Robinson' and hangers on were robbed, gutted, and unfairly beaten by the 'RS 700' team, but we did give them a fair and proper spanking on the racecourse. The 'Young Musto' team (there are some!) have a bit work to do on the quiz front, but there's always next year! Big well done to Dan for pulling off a very entertaining quiz night after a big day on the water!

Day 2

We had slightly less wind for day 2, but it was still sunny and warm...weird this sun stuff, I thought you had to travel 3000 miles round Spain to get it, but hey, it does come to the UK... take note Robbie!

Robbie Wilson in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Far shiftier and gustier, but definitely a far easier day, and not an endurance test like the day before. Once again, Turbo sailed superbly, and Dan was showing the pressures of the day. Everyone was having some great battles throughout the fleet - and not always just with each other. We had to avoid the plonker yotties who decided it would be a great idea to anchor on the racecourse for good viewing. Young Richard (Dickie) Smith decided to take on a full cardinal mark flat out downwind on the wire hitting it with his shoulder. He lost, but only broke his tiller extension. I'd view that as a big win Dickie!

Big Brucie (Keen) came out to play, winning the day. He couldn't do Saturday.... wife's birthday.... I won't say anything! However, when all races were done, it was Turbo that convincingly won the overall event, with Dan by far a deserved second, and a sneaky third by Robbie.

Andy Tarboton in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Big well done everyone. Weymouth next month in the Southern series, so it will be great to see a good turnout for that.

If you would like a demo of a Musto Skiff anytime, get in touch with the GBR class through the class website or via the GBR Musto Skiff Facebook Group, and we'll definitely help you get involved.

Overall Results:

Top 3 (Dan, Andy & Robbie) in the Musto Skiff class during the Stokes Bay Skiff Open - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk