The 18ft skiff fleet rolled up at Stone Sailing Club, which is the normal location for first regatta of the year. It's usually a kind event with nice weather and allows teams to blow the cobwebs away. However, this year was different! The fleet from last year were joined by a couple of new faces that shook up the standings, and gave a few crews something to think about for the season!

And what a day it was.  With a building south westerly and a report from PRO Mike Johnson on the race track that it was already blowing 15 to 19 kts. out in the sound, it was an easy decision to opt for the smaller no.2 rigs.  Although more stable than the westerly and north westerly direction there was going to be more chop and with a big wind forecast it only means one thing …. plenty of swimming.

Twelve 18ft Skiffs from UK, Germany and Denmark have enjoyed  6 races of great sailing in Plymouth sound, hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club and the Mount Batten Centre.  Strong performances from Magic Marine (GER33) and Pica see them as regatta leaders with Magic Marine in first place overall on 7 points after 1 discard.  Team Pica (GBR92) is catching up and only 3 points adrift with Original Chia (DEN01) in third.     For the overall European Grand Prix Series Title Hyde Sails is looking unbeatable.  But for 2nd spot, if positions remain unchanged for this event, Magic Marine and Pica will be tied for 2nd with Euro link 4th and Original Chia 5th.  Pica is also looking in good shape to defend the UK National Championship and the UK Grand Prix Overall but it is Hyde Sail and LED battling it out for 2nd place for both titles.