Graeme Oliver gets ready for his 25th year in the Musto Skiff
by International Musto Skiff Class Association 28 Dec 2024 15:53 GMT
Graeme Oliver - 2024 Stokes Bay SC Open © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
It is just days to go until Musto Skiff sailors from all over the world come together for their next Worlds Championship in Sydney. Around twenty European sailors are heading to Australia for the January regatta, including British sailor Graeme Oliver.
One of the pioneers of the class, Graeme has competed in many of the major championships over the years, and in what will be his 25th anniversary year with the boat, we caught up with him to find out what's changed over the years, and what he is looking forward to most about racing on the iconic Sydney Harbour.
Getting to know the Graeme Oliver....
Currently a member of both Chipstead Sailing Club and Medway Yacht Club, Graeme first started sailing at a young age but properly got into the sport at age 12, sailing a Fireball with his big brother, Michael. He has since sailed the International 14, 18 Foot Skiff, and various big boats. He's pretty handy at sailing all round, having won a few National titles in bigger boats over the years, including an overall win at the infamous Cowes Week.
Looking back to the year when he first bought his Musto Skiff and what he's since achieved in the class, Graeme said, "Carbon dating puts it at 2000 (I'm now on my 8th boat), so 2025 is my 25th anniversary in a Musto Skiff! My best result in the class over that time is 3rd at the Silvaplana 2008 Worlds and a smattering of top five places at Euros and Nationals."
Having been part of the class since it started, and having watched it evolve and grow, how has the fleet changed since the early days? And, with the first day of the 2025 Worlds just around the corner, where is Graeme hoping to finish as he enters his 25th year of sailing with a Musto Skiff?
You're one of the pioneers of the Musto Skiff class, and you've competed in several major championships over the years. How has the fleet changed since the first Gold Cup back in 2003?
After one too many in the Oca Bar in Garda back in 2000, I was talked into becoming the first Chairman of the class, so yes, I'm one of the old-timers! It was a bit of a struggle in the early years as we had a lot of competition from the RS700, which launched at the same time. However, we were lucky to have a strong group of people willing to put in a lot of effort back then (and ever since), and after the infamous Tide Ride at Hayling, where we absolutely dominated the 700s; the tide turned (Ironic?) and we got some amazing momentum which took us to where we are now.
The fleet has changed a lot since then; it used to be the case that if you had speed and kept the mast pointing skywards, you were in the front pack. So, although there was a strong top 10 of great sailors (Sten, Anderson, Turnbull, Wicke, Oswald, Trotter, etc.), the gap could be big to the rest of the chasing fleet. Now the reality is that there are probably 30 sailors who could win races at the big championships, and the rest of the fleet is never far back; that is the big change I see: the competition is mad!
You've been in and out of the class over the years, and after some time out, you've done quite a few events in the circuit this season. What made this season different?
I loved the idea of going back to Weymouth this year, as it was last there in 2012. That was also the last big event that I had done (10th), and I really put the time in to be ready for this year. Sadly, I caught pneumonia just before and struggled right through the week, but that made me more determined to get more time on the boat. I just love the Musto; it's one of the few boats that I can say puts a smile on my face every time I sail it; that's why I keep coming back. The thought of sailing in Sydney again was too good to miss!
The 2025 Worlds venue is Woollahra Sailing Club, which overlooks Sydney Harbour. What are you looking forward to most about sailing there?
I did the JJ Giltinan in the 18 in 2006 from Double Bay, so I have spent some time in Rose Bay before. The spectacle of sailing in the harbour with the bridge, opera house, ferries, ocean liners, and seaplanes makes it like no other venue on the planet. It's difficult, shifty, and bumpy, so it's a tough challenge. However, in a big NE'ly there is nothing quite like it!
What preparations have you made to get ready for the upcoming championship?
I was lucky enough to borrow Bill Maughan's boat (he's my nephew, and frankly he owed me one for the many kid's movies he tortured me with when we were growing up), so I have been able to keep sailing against Smithy, Robson, and Peaky, which has helped. With the lung issue, I've only managed to get back to full gym sessions and bike rides in the past month, so I'm working hard to get the strength and fitness up to an acceptable level. I've managed to get to a few opens, which has given me a good benchmark, so just filling in the gaps now!
Have you set yourself a target for the 2025 Worlds?
I'd love to think I'd nudge the top 10, but knowing the standard, I'll be happy with the top 20, and anything else is a bonus!
Finally, what are your predictions for the 2025 Worlds?
Tough one: Matthias (Houvenagel), Jon (Newman), and Marcus (Hamilton) will all be difficult to beat if they've all entered, but the reality is there are others who will be right in there: Danny (Boatman), Jamie (Hilton), and Rob (Richardson) are always consistently fast, and there are others who can upset the form book, especially those who know the harbour well!