by Noah Fitzgerald 14 May 11:17 BST
10-11 May 2025
Skiff racing returns to Portland Harbour with tight battles and growing fleet numbers and energy
The 2025 49er FX Skiff Euro Cup took place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) over the weekend of 10-11 May, bringing together a mix of experienced teams, new pairings, and a variety of rig styles. The racing was tightly contested, with standout performances across the board and an electric atmosphere on the water.
Saturday began with glassy conditions, but the steady southeast breeze soon filled in, building to 14-18 knots by the final race. Four races were completed in the day, and it was James Grummet and Katie Dabson who set the early pace, taking the first two wins of the event.
However, it was Flo Brellisford and Billy Vennis-Ozanne who displayed consistency, finishing strongly and leading the fleet overnight. Ellie Keers and Jess Jobson were close behind, with two second-place finishes, while Simon Hiscocks and James Crossley earned a pair of thirds.
A notable mention goes to Finn Morris and Tristan Ahlheid, who, using an old rig style, sailed competitively throughout the event. In one race, Finn and Tristan smashed the left corner, and the call paid off—earning them a race win. It was a clear demonstration that tactical awareness and speed deliver results, even with older kit.
Points were tight across the fleet, and the discard rule kept the leaderboard competitive, setting the stage for a thrilling second day of racing.
Sunday brought breezier conditions, with winds of 15-20 knots in the morning. The wind eased slightly at midday, only to build again to 22 knots for the final race of the day. Flo and Billy took control of the second day, winning three out of the four races, showcasing outstanding speed and consistency in the shifting conditions.
Katy Jenkins and Noah Fitzgerald led one race on Day 2, but a misjudged lay-line call, saw them finish in 4th, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the racing.
The Euro Cup was decided in the final race between Flo and Billy, and Simon and James, who were neck and neck. It was a close contest, but Flo and Billy emerged as the winners, securing the Euro Cup victory.
Special mentions go to Sam Jones and Amelie Hiscocks, who, in the thick of the racecourse action, constantly pushed conventional boundaries. Their innovative strategy of swapping helm and crew at the windward mark each lap became increasingly slick throughout the weekend, showcasing their teamwork and adaptability.
Also to Jake Rawes who is currently transitioning from the 29 er fleet and debuting in this event as his first FX racing, competing in an old style sliding wing hull boat, a great weekend for this team and good to get this boat back out on the water.
The domestic FX racing series continues with the next event on the 7th June when the fleet will continue their sprint race series. Come and join us, all are welcome. The class association are keen to hear from anyone who may have an unwanted old style FX in the garage or dinghy park, as we have sailors needing kit who are keen to join the racing.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 148 | Florence Brellisford | Billy Vennis‑Ozanne | HHSC | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | ‑5 | 1 | 13 | |
| 2 | Naomi | 3 | Simon Hiscocks | James Crossley | ‑9 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 18 | |
| 3 | 33 | Katy Jenkins | Noah Fitzgerald | WPNSA | 5 | 5 | (UFD [12]) | 4 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 30 | |
| 4 | Sally can wait | 291 | Finn Morris | Tristan hlheid | HISC | 7 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 | ‑8 | 3 | 31 |
| 5 | 230 | Isabelle Fellows | Rachael Potter | 3 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | (DNC [12]) | 31 | ||
| 6 | 2 | Monique Vennis‑Ozanne | Sophie Raven | 6 | ‑8 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 41 | ||
| 7 | Maeve | 713 | Jess Jobson | Ellie Keers | 4 | 2 | 2 | (DNC [12]) | 8 | 5 | 10 | DNC [12] | 43 | |
| 8 | Deborah | 127 | Sam Jones | Amelie Hiscocks | 8 | 7 | (UFD [12]) | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 50 | |
| 9 | 1 | James Grummit | Katie Dabson | 1 | 1 | (DNC [12]) | DNC [12] | DNC [12] | DNC [12] | DNC [12] | DNC [12] | 62 | ||
| 10 | 0 | Zac Blomeley | Jake Rawes | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 | (UFD [12]) | UFD [12] | 7 | DNC [12] | 66 | ||
| 11 | Laia | 9 | Duncan Gregor | Jasmine Williams | 10 | 11 | (UFD [12]) | RET [12] | UFD [12] | UFD [12] |
