Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland Yacht Club - Day 3

Yaroslav Petrov on day 3 of the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Another cracking day's racing after a rather grey horizon met the fleet on Saturday morning, but the flags were fluttering on their staffs, so the launch flag was dropped and Day 3 of the 2021 Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland Yacht Club was on!

Race 7

The breeze on the course was 8-12 kts with a big rolling swell making it very tricky for the pond sailors! After 2 attempts, the fleet then got off the line with a black flag, which took out Peter Greenhalgh and Dan Trotter. Ryan Seaton led around the windward mark with Sam Pascoe and Andy Tarboton just behind. Sam passed Ryan down the second run. All three got confused by how many laps, but eventually worked out that it was three. Sam finished first, followed by Ryan, and then Andy.

Ryan Seaton on day 3 of the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Race 8

The breeze had dipped a little to 5-9 kts, and with the tide running under the fleet, it made for a very tricky start. The standard port end start and left hand phase was no longer the key to success, and it was Euan Hurter who worked up the middle of the beat to round ahead of Alistair Conn with Schooling in 3rd. By the finish, Hurter had extended to a comfortable win with Schooling in 2nd and Eddie Bridle showing great pace to pull through to 3rd.

Racing on day 3 of the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Race 9

After a short break and a general recall, race 9 got under way with a very light north easterly breeze. Most of the fleet stuck to the narrative and headed left, which seemed to have paid all day.

A handful headed right to some slightly better pressure, with Ben Clegg leading at the windward and Jamie Hilton in tow. The downwind leg saw some movement with Bill Maughan taking the lead at the leeward, followed by Hilton. The majority of the fleet headed back out to sea and the race committee decided that was plenty for the day, finishing it at the windward mark. Maughan held on to the lead, followed by Ian Turnbull and Ben Clegg.

Big waves on day 3 of the Noble Marine UK Musto Skiff National Championships at Sunderland - photo © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Back ashore the fleet enjoyed the Lions match on the big screen in the clubhouse with a few quiet beers.

After a tough day on the water, the top 4 is very close on points. Jamie Hilton has moved right up the leader board to 2nd after winning the day with a 4, 4, 6. Sam Pascoe has a narrow lead, with Andy Tarboton in 3rd and Jono Shelley a point behind in 4th. It really will be all to play for on the final day!

Results after Day 3: