Hilton takes the win at the Chanonry Musto Skiff Open Event

Racing around mark - Chanonry Musto Skiff Open Event © Lisa Pattenden

Chanonry SC delivered again; sun, sea breeze, and a really friendly club with some mates to go sailing with and share a few beers with afterwards - it couldn't be better!

We had a smaller turnout than the first three events in the Scottish and Northern skiff calendar, which had 20 plus boats at each, but with the UK Nationals just days away and a big drive up north, it was a big ask. But, for those that made the trip to up to Chanonry, what a belter of a weekend!

The race team were excellent and left it to the sailors to decide when the sea breeze was enough to go racing on Saturday, and true to form, ripples formed from around 12.30, and by 1pm the sea breeze was kicking in.

Jono Shelley and Jonathan Bailey - Chanonry Musto Skiff Open Event - photo © Lisa Pattenden

The first couple of races were sailed in a light building breeze, but Mr Hilton rekindled his 2019 form (when Red Rocker was first discovered) and disappeared ahead of the fleet to win by a distance. The wind perked up for the next two races, and after some tight racing with Robbie and Jamie, Jono Shelley managed to win both.

While the top three battled for overnight bragging rights, some close racing was shared by the chasing pack where some cracking sailing in the lovely conditions were to be had. Highlights included Ben Yeats port tacking the fleet off the line, and a great performance from newbie Aussie, Boydy holding fourth place in a race until a wee swim at the end, but it was great to see the bike hike up the learning curve!

A quick turnaround after a brilliant day's sailing and most of us were off to pile into the Anderson's beer garden and hotel for a cracking meal and a good few beers to support the local brewery. Luckily, the bar shut early for us in Covid times, or Sunday might have been a long day...

Jamie Hilton - Chanonry Musto Skiff Open Event - photo © Lisa Pattenden

Just like Saturday, Sunday started slowly waiting for the sea breeze to come in. However, with a slightly earlier start, three races were held either side of high tide giving the sailors more to think about.

The racing was more tactical with tide lines to deal with and banks of weed to negotiate. In the first race, Ian Ellis was quickest out of the traps, keeping Jono honest with some good sailing. Three laps of very tight racing followed, before the usual suspects pulled through, with Jono taking the win.

Jamie won the second race by a boat length from Robbie, teeing a last race decider for Jamie and Jono. But it was Robbie who turned on the afterburners to win the final race from Jamie, who by finishing in second secured the overall win. With the wind still building, there was some more great racing throughout the rest of the fleet, and for some, it was a shame to bring the day to a close.

Big thanks to everyone at Chanonry SC - the most friendly, easy-going club there is. Can't wait to come back up, as it's a wee gem of a place to race and stay for the weekend.

With much thanks to the prize sponsor, Rope4Boats, who provided all the podium prizes for the Chanonry Sailing Club event.

Overall Results:

Ben Yeats - Chanonry Musto Skiff Open Event - photo © Lisa Pattenden