Noble Marine 2022 UK Musto Skiff National Championship at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club - Day 1

The first day of the 2022 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships kicked off with plenty of wind, but this also meant the fleet would have to navigate large rolling waves on the shore just to get off the beach and out to the start line.

With unsettled winds and tricky launch conditions all morning, it was not surprising that the first race was delayed. Once the wind settled, the AP flag was down, and sailing was on, but with 3 metre waves and 15 - 20knots of wind to launch in, it was going to be an interesting first race!

Race 1

Race 1, and there was to be no easing in gently. Wind against tide and a lumpy gusty 15 to 20kots was in store for the fleet - many of whom who had already taken a swim pre-start. The fleet got away cleanly, and it was Jono Shelley who showed first and got the hammer down off the port end, followed by Sam Pascoe, Ian Turnbull and Bruce Keen.

Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Eastbourne day 1 - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

With the tide in the turn, it wasn't clear which way would pay, but big Danny Boatman came screaming in from the right corner to lead at mark 1, followed by Sam and Jono. 3 big full-on laps allowed Sam to show he had serious legs on the fleet to stretch out a strong lead. Ian Turnbull mugged Shelley on the last run with his famous close your eyes and send it technique to take second with Shelley, Keen and Boatman next.

It was a long race and most of the fleet were ready for home, but two more races were in store...

Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Eastbourne day 1 - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Race 2

Race 2 began in around 15knots with the majority of the fleet hitting the shore to stay out of the tide. Boatman was first to the windward mark, closely followed by Pascoe with Keen in 3rd. Pascoe didn't take long to hit the front and extended from there to a comfortable victory. Keen and Boatman changed places a few times before Keen eventually gybed inside to take 2nd and Boatman taking 3rd.

The fleet enjoyed the last couple of rollercoaster rides down the large waves before the wind decided to disappear!

Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Eastbourne day 1 - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Race 3

For the last race on the day, the wind dropped massively down to 5 knots. With the tide ripping everyone behind the line, everyone was a bit keen, and a general recall was needed. For the second start everyone behaved and worked hard to get to the shore and out of the tide. Bruce Keen led Rob Richardson and Dan Trotter round the top mark. Slightly further back there was a pile up at the top mark caused by the tide with a lot of shouting.

The top 3 remained the same at the leeward mark, but with Richardson tacking slightly before Keen, he managed to pip him to the line after the race team shortened the course at the top mark. Turnbull then managed to steal 3rd from Pascoe.

Sam Pascoe on Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff Nationals at Eastbourne day 1 - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

After the first day of racing, and subject to a protest from the last race, Sam Pascoe finished in 1st place, Bruce Keen in 2nd place, and Danny Boatman in 3rd.

Results after Day 1: