The first two races of the UK 18ft Skiff national championship took place in Portland Harbour yesterday (Friday), contested by a fleet of 18 boats – the largest fleet of 18 foot Skiffs ever to race in British waters. Unfortunately, the sparkling entry was not matched by the weather, which served up a fitful southerly breeze of only 3-6 knots. Furthermore, there was fog and occasional light rain.

Despite the gloomy conditions, the racing was very close and keenly contested. The ‘RMW Marine’ team, who convincingly won the European international event in Carnac last week, had to resort to a squad system due to the fact that middleman Dan Johnson was unwell and bowman Jonny Meers had been delayed en route. Skipper Rob Greenhalgh was pleased to be able to call on the services of Olympic Tornado sailors Hugh Styles and Adam May, who happened to be training in the harbour.

In fact, Jonny arrived in time to be rushed out by RIB to take Adam’s place, and the squad then proceeded to win both of today’s races. Andy Richards, Andy Fairley and Dave Richards on ‘Radii’ were second on both occasions, and kept the ‘RMW Marine’ boys on their toes – especially in the second race, when the two leaders had a very close tacking duel on the final leg. Ollie Holden, Ben Clothier and Will Clothier on ‘Total Recall’ took and excellent third place in race one, while Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Nick Jerkins on ‘Computacenter’ were third in race two.

Both races were shortened, due to the feebleness of the breeze. Race 2 was shortened at the windward mark, and produced some very close finishes in the middle order, with many boats overlapping. ‘ It was good to see the return of the Scottish team comprising Martin Goodlad, John Aikman and Roy Goodlad, who are sailing ‘Ovington Boats’ (formerly ‘Newport Arms Hotel’). They lie in fourth place at the end of the first day, behind ‘RMW Marine’, ‘Radii’ and Computacenter’.

Results (Race 1)p>

1. ‘RMW Marine’ Rob Greenhalgh, Hugh Styles and Jonny Meers

2. ‘Radii’ Andy Richards, Andy Fairley and Dave Richards

3. ‘Total Recall’ Ollie Holden, Ben Clothier and Will Clothier

4. ‘Ovington Boats’ Martin Goodlad, John Aikman and Roy Goodlad

5. ‘Bristol Panel Formers’ Dominic Bowns, Richard Edwards and Tom Edwards

6. ‘Race 1 Works’ Andy Hetherington, Chris Hopkins and Charlie Coulborn

Race 2 provisional

1. ‘RMW Marine’ Rob Greenhalgh, Hugh Styles and Jonny Meers

2. ‘Radii’ Andy Richards, Andy Fairley and Dave Richards

3. ‘Computacenter’ Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Nick Jerkins

4. ‘Helly Hansen’ Toby Collyer, Stephen Holmewood and Simon Rosier

5. ‘White Stuff’ Victor Brellisford, James Fawcett and Dave Smith

6. ‘Sports ll’ Tim Penfold, Andy Jameson and Will Penfold