Reekie ahead by a point

As the Musto Skiff Europeans set sail on Lake Garda

There were perfect conditions on Lake Garda for day one of this year's Musto Performance Skiff European Championship. There is an excellent entry of 74 boats, made up of ten nationalities and including three Australians and one Russian, who had driven over 3200km to be at the event.

Race one started in 8-10 knots and after two last minute postponements, the fleet got away. The course held some big surprises in store, including 30 degree shifts and significant pressure changes. At the first mark, Russ Clark found himself in the unusual position of leading the fleet, closely followed by John Reekie and a group including Andy Peake, Richard Stenhouse, Griff Tanner and Jason Beebe from Australia. A close battle ensued downwind, with Graeme Oliver and Dan Henderson catching the leading pack. Positions frequently changed, but it was Reekie who took the gun, closely followed by Clark and World Champion Richard Stenhouse.

Race two and the pressure had increased slightly. The fleet spit up the first beat, with the majority going right which unusually appeared to be paying. At the first mark, Reekie again found himself at the fornt of the fleet, followed by Clark and Stenhouse and others including Peake, Roger Oswold (SUI) and Beebe. A significant shift and pressure change on the second beat saw Stenhouse and Clark pull through into first and second. Russ Clark held on to take the win, with Pablo Arandia (ESP) coming through to take 4th after a poor first race. Tanner and Stenhouse took 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Race three saw a definite right hand shift and big holes in the increased pressure. The regular contenders found themselves at the front again. Stenhouse led at the leeward mark and looked set to take the win, but fell into a hole on the left hand side of the beat, allowing Oliver, Arandia, Peake and Reekie to pull through. Oliver held on to the end after a nervous run which saw big pressure changes over the course.

Overall, a fantastic start to the event, with the top six separated by only 3 points.

Results here