UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix Round 1 at Stone Sailing Club
by Frank Quealey 10 Aug 2010 09:07 BST
Round One of the UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix was sailed from Stone Sailing Club and resulted in a win for the recent German Grand Prix winning Pica team of James Mears, Stewart Mears, Sandy Ramus. Invested (Mason Woodworth) finished second with Hyde (Jack Grogan) in third place.
On Day One, conditions were light with winds only 3-10 knots. In Race 1, Mason Woodworth’s Investec led at the first mark but was passed by James Mears’ Pica shortly after. Hyde was in third place.
The light and variable winds made for great racing as anyone could make big gains or losses at any time.
Pica, however, once in front, was able to take control and went on to win from Investec and newcomer Jack Grogan in Hyde. Race 2 was sailed in very similar and testing conditions and produced the same top three placings as Race 1.
In Race 3, Investec won the start from Hyde while Pica was in third place and struggling for a clean lane in the favoured right hand course. Investec held the lead for all three laps, while Pica managed to pass Hyde downwind, although never really threatening Investec.
Day Two produced a sunny 20 knot South Westerly. Steve Mc Lean (Hurley Palmer Flatt) opted for a ‘brave’ No. 1 rig while Mason Woodworth sensibly decided not to race following his recent serious back operation.
As the breeze continued to build, the Pica team did a quick rig change and opted for the No. 2 rig, which paid off as she was the only skiff to make the race area.