A strong fleet of more than 20 18 foot Skiffs has assembled at Carnac in the Bay of Quiberon for the annual International Trophy series.

Conditions this morning (Saturday) were perfect for 18 footer sailing, but, by the time this afternoon’s practice race was scheduled to take place, the 15 knot gradient breeze had been whittled down to about 5 knots as the hot sunshine heated the land mass.

However, the race was held, and the British national champions Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers on ‘RMW Marine’ led throughout the three rounds to lay down a challenge for the 12-heat series which will run until Saturday 8 June.

Australian former world champions John Winning, Jack Young and Euan McNicol sailing ‘Yandoo’ fought their way through to second place after having to recross the line at the start, displacing Britons Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards into third position on ‘Radii’.

Reigning world title holders Howie Hamlin and Mike Martin from the USA, joined on ‘General Electric-US Challenge’ on this occasion by Australian Chris “Rissole” Cleary in the absense of Trevor Baylis, also had to return at the start and made their way up to fourth place. The British team of Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Nick Jerkins finished fifth on ‘Computacenter’.

Although the light weather conditions will hopefully not be representative of the racing throughout the series, the top teams made it clear this afternoon that they are here with serious intentions, and an interesting series is in prospect.

Results (Practice Race)

1st ‘RMW Marine’ Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers, GBR

2nd ‘Yandoo’ John Winning, Jack Young and Euan McNicol, AUS

3rd ‘Radii’ Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards, GBR

4th ‘General Electric-US Challenge’ Howie Halin, Mike Martin and Chris Cleary, USA/AUS

5th ‘Computacenter’ Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Nick Jerkins, GBR