Decisions, decisions

The UK 12ft Skiff fleet were getting to grips with rig selection at their first event on the Solent

The Bartercard 12ft Skiffs attended Weston this weekend to give the boats a first taste of Solent water.

Greeted by sunshine, flat water and light breezes, number one rigs seemed like the order of the day. This proved to be somewhat foolhardy as the sea breeze subsequently kicked in to about 15 to 18 knots and trying to fly a 58 square meter kite on a 12 foot boat in that sort of wind was not for the faint hearted.

After running back to shore for a quick change onto No.3 rigs, the afternoon was filled with spectacular three sail reaches out past the yachts, ferries and other competitors (who at times had a very close look at what its like to sail a twelve).

Sunday dawned equally as calm but having remembered the lesson learnt from the previous day, all choose No.3 rigs and where comfortably powered up all round the course. It was another great day to enjoy 12ft Skiff sailing in sunshine, flat water and fair breeze - it really doesn’t get any better.

We would like to thank Weston SC for their hospitality, and our thanks go out to all those who came down to watch the boats both on and off the water. It was a great chance to get new people out into the boats to give them a taste of how exceptional a 12ft Skiff really is. Having the use of a dedicated rib made it easy to swap people in and out of the boats.

More photos on the following pages courtesy of Sally Collison