Jarrod Simpson edges ahead

After two days ashore due to strong winds, the mSE German 18ft Skiff Grand Prix sets sail

After two days of waiting ashore, due to extremely strong winds, the fleet finally got onto the water to contest the mSE German 18ft Skiff Grand Prix at Travemunde.

Experienced British skipper Jarrod Simpson was the master of the light and shifty winds and took the championship with two wins and a third placing in the three races contested by the 10-boat fleet.

Another Brit, Jamie Mears finished second with one win, a second and a third, while Germany’s Mike Keser finished third with one third and two fourths.

Following the championship races, the fleet went back to shore to prepare for the Travemunde Sailing Arena ‘presentation’. European 18ft Skiff Association Secretary and 18ft Skiff skipper Norbert Peter described the ‘presentation’: “We staged a series of six 10-minute races (including heats and a final) on the River in sight of the town. The river was only 60-100 metres wide and approximately 100,000 spectators were lined up along the shore.

“The spectators loved the new format and the sailors were electrified and hot for the high-voltage sailing on the small area. It was a good new way to bring the excitement of 18ft Skiff Racing and its magic to the spectators”.