Musto Skiff Open at Sunderland Yacht Club

Sunderland Musto Skiff Open © Jon Elphick

Sunderland Musto Skiff Open © Jon Elphick

Sunderland Musto Skiff Open © MSCA

The Scottish and Northern Skiffs descended onto the ever-iconic Sunderland for the last Musto Skiff UK event before the Worlds in mid-July. The 16-strong cohort consisted of the usual suspects, but a special mention goes to Rich Smith and Dave Annan for coming up from the deepest darkest South - we've now made them honorary Northerners.

The 2-day traveller event unofficially started about 5pm on the Friday evening with 4 eager sailors venturing out in light winds to get some practice in before retuning ashore to join the locals who were enjoying the weather (which couldn't have been nicer) with a few social jars and a BBQ, which inevitably led to typical Sunderland shenanigans into the small hours with the fleet giving it some serious Welly!

Come race day, the whole fleet were up early and bouncing at the prospect of what looked ideal conditions for a sea-breeze but (un)fortunately the wind wasn't playing ball, leading to a 2-hour delay and some tactical shuteye. By mid-afternoon, the PRO sent the fleet out into a light 4-6knot Southeaster for 2 races. Light wind specialist, Danny Boatman, managed to keep his own and produce some fine results (3, 1) to lead at the end of day 1. Stu Keegan, ever on the pace, was rapid and won race 1, but unfortunately, he's not so good with time keeping (and awareness of his surroundings) and started a minute early in race 2. Mike Matthews was solid and consistent, so he followed in second after day 1. The conditions really were quite tricky, with the big sea state and light winds claiming some victims. The closest call was Steve Robson who hurled as he was ducking behind Jamie Hilton.

With everyone back ashore, the ale began to flow readily, and the fleet began limbering themselves up for night 2 in Sundalucia. Class Chairman Maughan re-appeared early evening after missing the day through "food poisoning", before leading the pack along the seafront to Little Italy for some carb-loading and a torrent of laughter before venturing on to enjoy live music in 'The Stack'. What a night!

Sunday morning unfolded much the same as Saturday had, but with a little more wind forecast by the afternoon. This allowed further tactical napping and some boat prep before the south Easter kicked in for 3 races in 6-10 knots. Tom Conway showed his great pace in race 1 to lead around the top mark but couldn't quite hold on. Again, it was light wind specialist, Boatman who managed to build and maintain a good lead to win, with Keegan, Euan Hurter, and Matthews having a 3-way scuffle on the last downwind to finish in that order.

Race two saw Hurter lead into the top mark and down the run. Having spent the whole morning putting extra grip tape on his boat, he slipped and capsized to windward to the amusement of the fleet. Stu Keegan needed no invite to carry on and lead the fleet to the finish, followed by Matthews and Boatman.

With Hurter having swam his way out of contention, it was a showdown for the event win between Boatman and Keegan. Boatman started well and led around the top mark while Keegan struggled to move through the competitive fleet. Hurter managed to overtake Boatman on the downwind and lead to the finish, with Boatman fighting off and finishing second from the resurgent Hilton and Matthews. That left local hero Danny (Disco/BBQ) Boatman taking the overall win, with Stuart Keegan in second, and Hurter pipping Matthews on a tiebreak for third place and the honour of writing the report.

Sunderland Musto Skiff Open - photo © MSCA

It was great to see a strongly attended and competitive field, all in anticipation of the upcoming Garda Worlds.

A massive thank you to Stewart Brewing who is this year's Scottish and Northern Skiff Circuit sponsor, as well as the ongoing class support from Musto and Ovington. Also, thanks to Sunderland Yacht Club and its team. They are always world class and SYC is definitely one of the favourite venues for the Skiff fleet. We will be back soon!

Overall Results: