The breeze delivered to promise for Round 2 of the UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix in Exmouth, hosted by Exe Sailing Club last weekend.  With a south westerly blowing during the preceding week the bay had become more of obstacle course than had been expected.  However, in the protection of the Exmouth estuary, all teams opted for the big rig, misjudging the conditions out on the open course.  After a heart thumping blast down the narrow and tidal Exmouth channel, all boats arrived at the start line to be greeted with top end big-rig conditions.  The squalls and short chop combined with a south westerly swell made it more extreme than many had experienced with a skiff in recent years.

The UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix arrives in Exmouth this bank holiday weekend for three days or racing on Devon’s coast line.  Exe Sailing Club will be hosting the skiffs at their award winning club.  Seven teams are due to do battle ranging in experience and levels of technology.  A two buoy system will be running to keep the new teams and those with older boats a chance to mix it up with the best 18ft skiff teams in the UK and a chance to win the event.   The newer teams, in the red fleet, will be rounding the nearest windward mark.  The experienced teams, in the white fleet, rounding the furthest windward mark each lap of the windward-leeward course.  With a fresh west southwest breeze forecast and technical support from Action Cameras we will be able to bring you onboard action from the weekends racing.

Pica takes the first UK Grand Prix event at Stone Sailing Club on the Blackwater with a convincing performance in their new 18ft skiff.  The strong 7 boat turnout including some new faces in the class was a very positive start to the season.  Investec and Hyde Sails also showed promising performances from which we can expect more as the season develops.  Check out the onboard video footage from Team Investec.