Musto Skiffs at Ullswater Yacht Club for the Daffodil Regatta 2026

Euan Hurter during the Daffodil Regatta 2026 at Ullswater © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

It was nice to get the 2026 Scottish and Northern Musto Skiff calendar under way with a glorious weekend at the ever-resplendent Ullswater Yacht Club.

A lovely forecast, if a little fickle; and so, it proved for the 13 boats who made the trip; some making the most of having attended the brilliant coaching sessions the weekend prior, while others were there to shake off the winter rustiness.

Musto Skiffs on the startline during the Daffodil Regatta 2026 at Ullswater - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Five races were held, three on Saturday in largely light airs working the knees and quads hard in high wiring conditions, with a further two on Sunday with the wind filling in after an hour or two under AP and a 150-degree change in direction and 3/4 wiring conditions.

Coming out on top this weekend was Euan Hurter, pushed hard by Robbie Richardson, showing that youth and agility were the cornerstone to unlocking the gains on this particular racetrack.

The whipper snappers didn't have it all their own way, though, with John Reekie taking a win in the first race, robbing both Rob Trotter and newcomer James Penty cruelly of position after they had led for much of the race. With the race win sealed, John "dropped the mike" and sailed in to rejoice in his achievements.

Rob Richardson (front) and Josh Moran during the Daffodil Regatta 2026 at Ullswater - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Race two on Saturday saw Dan and Ian Trotter looking sharp and mixing it up in the top positions before the slippery Euan snuck into the lead for the win. Robbie took the final race of the day after somehow reeling in Richard Smith who was revelling in the lighter conditions.

The yacht club was in fine fettle for the evening entertainment, with cold drinks to rehydrate the weary sailors, and many taking the chance to BBQ under the falling sun and stunning views up the fells. Live music then serenaded the crowed on the veranda and then back into the warmth of the clubhouse as night fell.

Alistair Kerr during the Daffodil Regatta 2026 at Ullswater - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

The AP was quickly up on Sunday morning - "not what was forecast" heard passing the lips of many. Ultimately, after a hint of wind, the fleets were asked to launch into what proved to be false hope. After a bit of a drift, the wind flicked around to give a decent south-westerly pushing around 8kts. With a short course set, there must have been around 5 laps sailed in the first race; providing no let up after the punishment of the first day's muscular onslaught. The young-un's took the top spots, but me, Josh, Richard and Dan were not letting them get away cleanly; even splitting the front two on occasion. Great racing, though, throughout the fleet.

For the final race of the weekend, the wind was a bit more variable, flicking through some bigger angles with great differences in pressure. Euan, again, was quick to make early gains and keep them in the bank despite the chasing fleet. Ultimately, he had a march on all of us over the weekend and looked really comfortable in the boat. Robbie has a few gears to work through yet and will have an eye on the Worlds in Carnac, now only 6 weeks or so away.

Jamie Hilton during the Daffodil Regatta 2026 at Ullswater - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

For the rest of us, we all enjoyed some great racing. It's been a long old winter without it. It was also great to see our mates, and brilliant to see new faces doing so well and clearly enjoying their Musto Skiff journey. A few days now to rest up and dowse some cod liver oil before getting more time on the water this weekend with a bit of luck.

Next up on the calendar is Largs over the May 16th/17th weekend; and that's always a belter.

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