Musto Skiff Scottish and Northern Skiff Championship at the Dalgety Bay SC Regatta

by Jono Shelley 27 Oct 2022 21:38 AEDT 22-23 October 2022

Musto Skiffs on the start line during the Dalgety Bay SC Regatta © Steve Webb

"Look at the size of that.."
"I wish mine was that big..."
"I can't wait to get my trolley on it..."

Just some of the positive remarks when the Northern and Scottish skiff sailors descended on Dalgety Bay Sailing Club's fantastic new slipway. This was to be the season decider for the Scottish and Northern Skiff Series, based on the best 4 results from the season's 7 events, and the stand-alone Scottish Skiff National Championships.

Many got out on the water on Friday night for a series of quick-fire informal races as dusk fell. Everyone was going quick at different times and there was lots to think about with shifty, patchy wind, a strong tide, and a bit of weed; and so it continued for the weekend.

Saturday sadly dawned foggy and breathless, but after formal racing was abandoned for the day, the weather cleared and a good group again managed to get out for some racing before darkness in 8-12knots, facilitated by some very kind volunteers from the host club. Mikey Matthews, a late stand in for Billy Maughan (don't be fooled by the results) and Jono Shelley seemed to have the best of it.

Saturday night 'accidentally' became a big one with a good contingent of the skiff fleet visiting Edinburgh for an eclectic tour of many curious establishments with resident tour guide Euan Hurter. The highlight was a nightclub with slide and ball pit...for the adults.... Everyone just about made it home, enough said.

Jono Shelley during the Dalgety Bay SC Regatta - photo © Ian Baillie

So, Sunday was going to be a four or five race day in a breeze from 5ish to 15ish knots. Mike Matthews started very well with a bullet in the first race and maintained his edge over the series of races to take the Scottish Skiff Nationals Trophy. He consistently picked the first beat shifts well and had a clear turn of pace across the conditions.

Ben Schooling pushed him hard and came second overall with an impressive 2,2,3 in a borrowed boat, with Ian Escritt also taking a closely fought race win. Jono Shelley managed to sneak a win when the wind got into double digits to edge into third overall.

Jono Shelley and Mike Matthews during the Dalgety Bay SC Regatta - photo © Ian Baillie

Special mentions must go to 'the new' Oli Bull, who in his first Musto event, looked very slick in the boat and is a worrying force for the future, and 'the old' Jamie Hilton, prominent Musto Skiff sailor and ex GBR National champion who was last seen attached to the leeward mark by his kite sheet.

It was great for the Musto's to be joined by a number of 29ers and a very well sailed International 14 of Josh Kerr and Ali Kent from Largs, who with a 1,3 could have been right in the chocolates but had to also count an 11th to drop to 6th overall. Ones to watch for next year where Skiffs of all types are very much encouraged to join for the 2023 circuit!