Noble Marine Musto Skiff UK Nationals 2025 at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 3
by Jamie Hilton 20 Sep 19:43 UTC
18-21 September 2025
Racing today was held inside the harbour, owing to the fruity forecast predicting a hazardous return to Harbour over the infamous 'bar' in 20 kts and an ebb tide.
With the decision made, the wee guys rejoiced, and the fleet headed out, sliding off from the beach and making their way to the lee shore, where the high tide offered the chance to race over a bank on a much-shortened race track.
Race 7
Race 7 saw those at the boat end farewell, especially those who tacked off early. Amongst those was Ben Clegg, who unfortunately cut the lay line a bit too fine and tried to take the windward mark with him. Eddie Bridle and Rob Richardson rounded closely in the lead and opted for the gybe-set, with Danny Boatman and Jamie Hilton just behind them going for the straight hoist.
All very tight at the bottom gate, with Hilton sneaking the lead, only for Eddie to nail the lay line and get inside again by the top mark. Eddie stretched the lead to take the bullet, with Hilton 2nd and Rob in 3rd.
Race 8
Race 8 started with a big lefty shift just before the gun that hugely favoured the pin enders. Andy Rice, Euan Hurter, and Jono Shelley profited well and led the fleet round with the buccaneering Tom Scott chasing hard just behind. Euan and Jono reeled in Rice on the second lap (who, unbeknown to him, had fallen foul of the black flag), handing the 3rd place to Tom. And somewhat importantly for the overall leaderboard, Eddie taking 4th.
The third race of the day was subject to a last-ditch AP, an attempted restart, and then an abandoned race, all bowing to mother nature, where the wind failed to settle sufficiently before the race officer called time on the day owing to falling water levels. This left the fleet to romp home in a blustery 18kt breeze that frustratingly filled in just as the water ran out.
With 3/4s of the event completed, the day's proceedings saw Eddie cement his place as overall leader, 6 points clear of his nearest challenger, Andy Tarboton, and Euan Hurter rising to 3rd after another excellent day with his 7th/1st place combo.
Looking ahead to the final day of racing, Sunday promises three more races to wrap up the championship, where thankfully a friendly weather window seems to be appearing after a shaky forecast had suggested otherwise earlier in the week.
All to play for really, as it's very tight in the top six.
Top 5 places after day 3:
1st - Eddie Bridle
2nd - Andy Tarboton
3rd - Euan Hurter
4th - Sam Barker
5th - Jamie Hilton