Scottish Skiff Grand Prix Round 4 at Oban Sailing Club

Scottish skiffs at Oban for round 4 of the Grand Prix © Steven Forteith

Scottish skiffs at Oban for round 4 of the Grand Prix © Steven Forteith

Round 4 of the Scottish Skiff Grand Prix came to Oban Sailing Club on the 24/25th of July.

Saturday dawned with a grey southerly of 8-10knots and a fleet of ten boats set off on race 1 and for the first time ever a fleet of skiffs were sent on a long distance race round the Island of Kerrera, around 12 miles. With the breeze coming and going at the start, the fleet battled shifting winds. The 49ers of Hepplewhite and Annan set the pace as the fleet beat down the sound of Kerrera with the Int 14 of Wilkie having a cross taking dual with the B14 of Forteith and the Musto Skiff of Renilson.

Round the bottom of the island and a short fetch to the turning point the fleet were joined by porpoises and then kites were set for a 4/5 mile run home. Wilkie set off hunting down the 49ers with excellent speed to take the race win in fine style. Renilson closed on Forteith down the run and crossed on the second last gybe only to lose out on the last gybe to the line with the B14 pulling back to snatch second with Renilson a close third.

Once the fleet had all finished the race team set a short windward/leeward for race two in a light Southerly 6-8 knots. With the Int 14 retiring due to gear failure it was left to Renilson to take the win passing the B14 on the second beat and never looking back. Credit to Winchester in the Vortex for claiming an excellent third.

Sunday dawned with a Southwesterly 13/15 knots and 4 back to back races were run with all crews given a serious workout with racing ran inside Oban Bay. Classic skiff conditions and even the sun came out!

Renilson sailed consistently as ever and won the day with a solid 3 bullets and a second, only being beaten by the big rig 49er of Robertson who had managed to join the fleet on Sunday. Even more remarkable was the fact that they capsized and still managed to win the race.

Renilson took the event overall with an excellent score of six points, with second overall claimed by Wilkie after an epic battle with Forteith on Sunday, both boats finishing on equal points, Wilkie got the nod on countback. Annan improved right through the event to claim a solid fourth.

With the prize giving conducted by an excellent race officer, Eric Chapman, thanks must also go to Oban SC for hosting the event and also Chris and Owen sails for providing such generous prizes!

Results

1st : Musto Skiff - Renilson - 6pts
2nd : Int 14 - Wilkie - 16pts
3rd : B14 - Forteith - 16pts
4th : 49er - Annan - 19pts
5th : 49er - Roberston - 22pts
6th : 49er - Hepplewhite - 25pts
7th : Vortex - Winchester - 31pts
8th : Laser 4000 - Cormak - 34pts
9th : Int Moth - Hignet - 55pts
10th : Musto Skiff - Mckeown - 55pts