Noble Marine Musto Skiff UK Nationals 2025 at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 1
by Rob Richardson 18 Sep 2025 23:33 BST
18-21 September 2025
Race 1
Race one started with a fresh 18-22 knots. Everyone was a little scared of the big waves. So, unbelievably for the first race of a championship, we were all behind the line! Andy Tarboton and Rob Richardson started at the pin, where the cut-throat South African squeezed Rob into a tack. Ben Clegg had a great start from the middle of the line to lead at the top mark, where we stayed until the finish. Andy and Rob followed him round. Plenty of spills and thrills behind the leading pack, where the waves were getting the better of a few!
Race 2
Race two saw Ben Clegg fly off into the distance, again proving that his new ship is fast. Bruce Keen decided to remember what he was doing and managed to get a fifth after his wet first race. Danny Boatman also remembered who he was - for ¾ of a lap at least.... his swim let Rob and Eddie Bridle through to battle for the podium spots, with Eddie coming in second and Rob in third.
Race 3
With the tide turning, the waves had now started to calm down, but they were still bloody massive. Ben Clegg smashed the right-hand corner after getting rolled by Rob (ha ha ha). Sadly, that didn't stop him, as he still led at the top mark! Rob followed him round the top mark with the gybe set, where Ben grannied it down the run but managed to hold his lead to take his third win of the day! A crazily good day for him! Rob then decided to let his old boss, Andy (Tarboton), through at the top mark as he completely messed up the lay line.
It was a huge day on Hayling Bay with big waves and big wind to wash the cobwebs off. Huge effort from the race committee and safety crew for getting some amazing racing in and keeping everyone safe on a day to remember.
Back ashore, the fleet were treated to steak pasties to help lick their wounds before the fun of the buddy system was introduced in the club bar with comedy moments regaled and a Q&A with the day's top three to share their treasured secrets.
After day 1, the top five places were:
1st - Ben Clegg
2nd - Robert Richardson
3rd - Andy Tarboton
4th - Eddie Bridle
5th - Sam Barker