Back to normal

The UK 18ft Skiff fleet go back to a short course racing format this weekend on the Solent

The 18ft skiff flying circus hits the Solent this weekend (15 to 16 July) for round four of the UK Grand Prix series. Launching from the Calshot Activities Centre the fleet will be racing under the burgee of Warsash Sailing Club. After the fleet’s adventures at the Lord Birkett Trophy long distance event it will be back to the crash and burn of the fleet’s traditional short course windward leeward races.

With sun and good breeze forecast for the Solent this weekend and no doubt a good helping of the infamous Solent chop we’re in for two days of thrills and spills from the spectacular skiffs. Anyone out on the water on Saturday or Sunday should look out for the fleets unmistakable brightly coloured sails, with courses likely to be set on the Inner Solent.

Andy Richard’s Radii leads the Grand Prix standings with a first and two second places in the previous events but the ever improving White Stuff helmed by Mason Woodworth and local sailor Peter Barton on Barron and Smithers are both biting at Radii’s heels. In the no discard series it is still all to play for.