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European Grand Prix Round 1

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:29:00 GMT

Warm weather and varying winds greeted the 5 UK teams that travelled to far end of Europe to Hungary. With conditions ranging from no wind too far too much, the teams were tested on both rigs. The week brought many pitchpoles and a few boats stuck in the shallow waters. Hyde came away with their first ever European win after dominating in th elight wiinds and holding on in the fresh stuff.

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A gruelling weekend of racing on the Solent

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:40:00 GMT

A wet, cold and windy bank holiday weekend concluded in sunshine for Round 2 of the 18ft Skiff Grand Prix yesterday. Eight teams raced for the Holt Challenge plate in cold, wet and windy conditions for the most part. Team Pica, the defending holders of the trophy, were given more to think about with new challenge coming from a variety of directions in the form of teams Ronstan and team LED. On Saturday the bighting north easterly blew a consistent 14, gusting 16 to 17knots at times with some reasonable shifts making life challenging on a short windward leeward course with plenty of ragging the kite to make the downwind gate.

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Stone delivers, Round 1 2012 UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:24:00 GMT

The Australian 18ft skiff season finished last weekend, whilst on the other side of the world the new skiff season starts. Six UK teams arrived at Stone Sailing Club in Essex for the first round of the UK Grand Prix. On Saturday a mixed forecast contributed to a difficult rig choice with 2 of the 6 teams opting for smaller rigs. In the first race most teams had some time in the lead as others had a few swims, mainly due to the gusty conditions and rusty crew work. Pica led for most of the course only to capsize on the last downwind leg

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2012 UK Grand Prix Preview

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:09:00 GMT

The UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix kicks off this weekend with the first of the four Grand Prix events at Stone Sailing Club. Seven boats have already confirmed participation for the first event. So the series is due to pick up where it left off with the influx of new teams from 2011. This season the European Grand Prix also comes to UK Shores in Plymouth at the end of September. Other locations include Calshot on the Solent and a return to Sandbanks, Poole. Read more about this years series ......

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18ft Skiff Class comes 3rd in World first for virtual sailing events

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:27:00 GMT

The Live finals of the 2012 RYA Volvo Dinghy Show SailX Championships were held last weekend. representatives from Qualifying classes took there positions on the Volvo main stage to battle it out to for the honour of holding aloft the Virtual Endeavour trophy for the first time. Congratulations to Seb Baucutts of the 29er class who took the individual trophy and helped ensured the 29er Class were out right champions. In an interview after the racing Seb did mention that Victor Brellisford of 18 and 14 fame had provided key guidance and pointers at Seb's local club where he races his "real" 29er. RS200 class was 2nd with the 18ft Skiff Class 3rd... So what can we make of all this? Well if Olympic Coach Hugh Styles is right, it will ensure that the next generation of skiff sailors are going fast as well as being tactical geniuses.

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18ft Skiff Class makes the finals of the Virtual Endeavour Trophy

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:28:00 GMT

We need you!..... The 18ft Skiff Class is very proud to have qualified for the SailX finals for the virtual Endeavour Trophy to be held at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, coming 6th as a class in the racing leading up to the finals this weekend. So what does this mean? Those that entered the Dinghy Show SailX Championship competition representing the 18ft skiffs can either compete in the finals by turning up and playing live at the show or by joining in live but virtually. The final is limited to 30 entrants per class. Priority will be given to those coming to the show. For the remaining places competitors can compete remotely, the international interest has been very high. For remote competitors, those with the highest ranking (achieved by participating in the quarter and semi finals) will then be given priority. Fortune favours the brave ….. if you have entered, turn up to the Dinghy Show and do battle with some great sailors including past a nd present world champions for this inaugural trophy. Further details can be found on www.sailx.com

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The First Virtual Endeavour Trophy

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:19:00 GMT

The Sailx virtual online sailing game is launching the 1st Virual Endeavour Trophy in association with the 2012 RYA Dinghy Show. Anyone can enter for their class. Through results from the heats, winners will be selected to race the finals of the online competition at the Dinghy Show during the 3rd and 4th March 2011. At the finals competitors will also be representing a class of their choice and have an opportunity to lift this Virtual Endeavour Trophy for the first time. For those not wishing to venture out during the winter months it's an opportunity to sharpen up the tactical skills from the comfort of your own couch. Let the games begin ....

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18ft Skiff London Boat Show Drinks

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:16:00 GMT

Thursday the 12th of January is the late night for the boat show and a popular night for London based sailors to meet at the Guinness bar! A number of skiff teams are taking the opportunity to meet up this year.

There’s plenty to discuss with a full 2012 Calendar planned and preseason training options in February and March. It's a good opportunity to bounce ideas around both with 18 crews and other like minded sportsmen and women over a few drinks. Read the full article for details of tickets and prices.

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The season is not over!

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:40:00 GMT

Three teams gathered at Rutland Water on a blustery weekend in December. Too much wind on the Saturday resulted in some shore based coaching from fleet experts Mason Woodworth and Stew Mears. This was particularly useful for the Rutland Team who were learning how to set up the nearly aquired skiff. After packing up everyone met at the Local Pub to share thoughts on the 2012 season and enjoy a few beers.

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UK 18ft Skiff Nationals - Final Day & Overall Results

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:05:00 GMT

The UK 18ft Skiff sailors assembled on the beach for a final time on the last day of the UK 18ft Skiff National Championships in Sandbanks, Poole. With sunshine and 10knts of breeze blowing offshore, the Race Officer, Jon Gorringe was able to set an exciting short course with windward marks straight off the beach satisfying the demands of the growing spectator interest during the bank holiday weekend. And there was plenty to race for. Would new arrivals Team Carsington be able to hold on to 2nd with their five point lead on Investec? Could anything stop team Pica lying a comfortable first place? Could Hyde’s recover from the extra points they were carrying due to gear failure on Saturday to find a podium position?

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