The August Bank Holiday sees the touring circus that is the UK 18ft skiff fleet head to Torquay for their National Championship, with support from Formula Spars, sailing out of the of the Royal Torbay YC.

Having spent the past months touring some of Europe’s top sailing venues plundering the silverware from the European 18ft Skiff circuit the top teams are all back in the UK ready for a full weekend of racing action. The event will be held in conjunction with the 12ft skiff fleets national championship and launches the Royal Torbay Regatta Week. So there will be plenty to see for spectators.

This year’s championship is a wide open affair with at least four teams all capable of winning races: Pindar/Radii, helmed by Andy Richards, reigning UK champion and current leaders of the 2007 European Grand Prix circuit; Mason Woodworth’s GE Commercial Finance, current European Champions; Gill/Wet & Wild, Ed Browne recently returning to form by winning the Danish Grand Prix; and Base 1 helmed by Ian Turnbull, winner of the 1st round of the UK circuit.

The championship also sees the inauguration of a new speed competition to be sponsored by B&G with a prize for the highest SOG.

Racing begins at 1300 on Saturday afternoon, with fine weather forecast the teams are looking forward to three days of sun, sea and excitement.