Musto Skiff 2025 Class Survey Report Published
by International Musto Skiff Class Association 8 Mar 01:12 PDT
ACO 14th Musto Skiff World Championship 2025, Sydney, Australia © Down Under Sail
The results of the Musto Skiff 2025 Class Survey have now been published. This latest survey included a class member vote on the future integration of the Small Mainsail X at organised events, and questions on the boat experience, training weekends, and event circuits.
The survey, which is published by the Musto Skiff Class International Committee and Ovington Boats Ltd, is anonymous and aims to gather insights and feedback from the class to help the International Committee to understand what members want from the class association. It also helps to ensure the successful planning and delivery of future Championship events such as World and European events at an international level, and National events at a local level.
For the continued improvement and growth of the class, each survey also includes a section to gather insights and feedback from the wider sailing community about Musto Skiff Class Association activities.
The survey was opened online in December 2025 and closed at the end of January 2026.
2025 Class Survey response
This latest class survey included 87 submissions in total representing 14 countries, with an additional 59 submissions for the member-only AGM section representing 5 regional class associations.
This year, 87% of the submissions for the main survey were from Musto Skiff sailors. The remaining 13% included sailors from other classes who were also invited to share their views via the survey, with questions such as where they access information on the class activities and what would increase their interest in sailing a Musto Skiff.
For Musto Skiff sailors, the most represented country was the UK, at a 49% share, followed by Germany at 17% share, and then Switzerland at 13% share. At the end of the main survey, class members were able to access the 2025 online AGM section, which provided the opportunity to share feedback on the 2025 Nationals, Europeans, and Worlds events, as well as participate in the proposed vote on the future integration of the small Mainsail X.
Championship events highly rated by class members
Based on this latest survey, the Musto Skiff Nationals, Europeans, and Worlds over 2025 were well received by the sailors, with an overall rating of 'good to excellent' for key metrics, such as venue suitability, race management, and event communications. The level of competition in the fleet was also rated very highly overall for each of the championships.
In response to location suggestions in the 2024 Class Survey, the International Committee moved forward with confirming the next World Championship in Carnac, France, for June 2026, and a World Championship in July 2027 in Torbole, Lake Garda. More details for each event can be found on the class website.
More training events for 2026
As found in previous surveys, the class once again expressed a keen interest in increase organised training, with 78% of Musto Skiff sailors stating that they would like more regional training sessions in 2026. This will be a key focus for the year ahead, and training events are already being planned in some of the key regions including the UK and France.
The GBR class recently confirmed the continued sponsorship with Noble Marine Insurance, who will once again support UK-based training during the season, as well as being the Event Title Sponsor for the UK Musto Skiff National Championship at East Lothian Yacht Club this September. The Swiss Class has also now confirmed their annual Lake Como skiff training week, which is planned for 25 April - 2 May 2026.
Class vote on incorporating the small Mainsail X at major regattas
As part of the 2025 International AGM section, class members were invited to vote on how they would like the small Mainsail X to be incorporated into major regattas going forward.
This included a choice of four options to manage mainsail switching during organised Musto Skiff major regattas. These options were presented for consideration in advance of the survey, and included the following:
Option 1: Status Quo - Extend the Current Trial
- Sailors nominate a sail size before the regatta.
- Sail size may be changed on individual days, but races sailed with a different sail receive maximum points (DNS equivalent).
- Small mainsail users are not eligible for a top 10 finish at a World Championship.
Option 2: Revised Restrictions - Higher Penalty
- Sailors nominate a primary sail size before the first race.
- Sailors may use a different sail size with prior notification to the race committee.
- A fixed scoring penalty applies to races sailed with the non-nominated sail (e.g. 15% of fleet size).
- Sailors who switch sail sizes are not eligible for a top five overall result.
Option 3: Lighter Restrictions - Lower Penalty
- Sailors nominate a primary sail size before the first race.
- Sailors may switch sail sizes with prior notification.
- A reduced scoring penalty applies (e.g., 10% of fleet size).
- Grand Master and Legend sailors are exempt from the penalty and may change sail size.
- Sailors who switch sail sizes are not eligible for a top three overall result.
Option 4: No Restrictions
- Sailors may measure in two sails of any size at the start of the championship.
- Sail sizes may be changed freely with no penalty.
Read the full small Mainsail X background options overview here: "Further Incorporation of the Small Mainsail X" (Published 15th December 2025)
For this vote question, the majority of class members represented in the survey opted for 'Option 3 - Lighter Restrictions. Lower Penalty').
In addition, the class members represented in the survey stated that they would like to see the small Mainsail X remain integrated within the main fleet, with 66% voting for this option.
Commenting on this vote result, International Class Chairman, Brennan Robinson, said: "This is a forward-looking decision that keeps the class dynamic, inclusive, and fair, and it marks an exciting new chapter for Musto Skiff racing." View his full statement here: 'Musto Skiff Class Vote: Further Incorporation of the Mainsail X' (published 6th March 2026).
The committee has confirmed that the 'use of mainsail instructions' will be applied to all international Musto Skiff class-organised events (European Championships and World Championships) and will be recommended for adoption by National bodies for implementation at class events which they organise or sanction. The changes will be incorporated from 2026 into Notices of Race and/or Sailing Instructions and will not require a change in class rules.
The 'use of mainsail instructions' will be subject to review after 2 years to monitor its implementation in practice and, if deemed necessary, make adjustments.
How to View the 2025 Annual Survey Report
The International Committee would like to thank the class and sailors from the wider sailing community for their insightful feedback, suggestions, and comments as part of the MSCA 2025 Class Survey.
The committee are now working together to review feedback and progress any required actions and will respond to the class members in due course, including further details on the long-term international regatta plans.
To view the 2025 Class Survey report, as well as previous reports, visit the Musto Skiff class website here.