The three races scheduled for the second day of the Skiff Grand Prix round at Hayling Island on 12 August had to be cancelled due to extreme conditions.

Race officer Zeb Elliott went out to the course area in a RIB, and had no hesitation in deciding that Hayling Bay was not the place to hold 18 foot Skiff races. Not only was the wind stronger, but the chop that made things very difficult on the Saturday was, in his estimation at least a foot higher. Furthermore, to have sent the 18 footers over the bar at the Chichester Harbour entrance would have been inviting disaster.

The competitors were offered two alternatives, the first of which was to sail a windward/leeward course in the harbour between Park and East Head, but, as this would have involved sailing within a relatively narrow channel that would have to be shared with regular Sunday traffic, there was little enthusiasm for the idea.

The second alternative was to wait until tea time, when the tide would be high and the course could be set over the Winner Bank. This would have made for excellent racing, but, as many competitors had long distances to travel (some as far as Scotland), it was finally decided that racing should be cancelled.

The third and final round of the UK 18 foot Skiff Grand Prix will take place on the 8-9 September at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, followed by the national championship from 21-23 September at the same venue.