Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers sailing RMW Marine have taken the lead at the 18ft Skiff national championship

The first three races of the 18 foot Skiff national championship in Portland Harbour were held in the lightest breezes of the season so far for these boats, but the racing in the 14-boat fleet was nevertheless very close and interesting.

The easterly breeze of 6 to 8 knots allowed two wiring most of the time, with occasional three wiring downwind.

Race one saw Tim Penfold, Andrew Jameson and Will Penfold on ‘Marlow’ establish a good lead by the first windward mark, which they were able to extend throughout the race. Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers climbed from fourth at the first mark to take second place, ahead of Victor Brellisford, James Fwacett and Dave Smith on ‘White Stuff’, and Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards on ‘mStation’.

‘Marlow’ once again led at the first mark in race two, but ‘RMW Marine’ overtook them to claim their familiar position at the head of the fleet, and the first two positions then remained the same throughout the race. ‘White Stuff’ was again third, and Andrew Hetherington, Chris Hopkins and Luke Byrom on ‘Custom Eyes Composites’ were delighted to take fourth place.

‘RMW Marine’ once again made first place their own in race three, after Martin Goodlad, John Aitken and Roy Goodlad on ‘Alba Marine Ltd’ had held the lead for a good part of the race. ‘Alba Marine Ltd’ crossed the finishing line in silence, however, having been adjudged over the line at the start. This promoted ‘White Stuff’ to second place, and ‘Marlow’ to third after they had managed to nip past Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Don Francis at the final leeward mark. ‘Alba Marine’ later submitted a protest.

Provisional Results (after three races, no discard)

1st ‘RMW Marine’, Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers, 3 points

2nd ‘Marlow’, Tim Penfold, Andrew Jameson and Will Penfold, 8.7 points

3rd ‘White Stuff’, Victor Brellisford, James Fawcett and Dave Smith, 14.4 points

4th ‘mStation’, Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards, 29.7 points

5th ‘Gofish’, Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Don Francis, 31 points