Jono Shelley on nearing the win
by International Musto Skiff Class Association 24 Nov 03:38 PST
Jono Shelley – Noble Marine 2022 UK Musto Skiff National Championship © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk
GBR sailor Jono Shelley is well-experienced in the Musto Skiff, having raced in the class for the past decade. With two podium finishes at the UK Nationals and a top-five finish in the 2022 Worlds in Kiel, he is undoubtedly a competitor that others watch closely on the water.
He is currently gearing up for his upcoming championship—the Musto Skiff 2025 Worlds in Sydney—and with both determination and skill to compete with the finest, securing a Worlds title is a significant goal for him.
Getting to know Jono Shelley…
Jono began sailing at roughly the age of five, but his passion truly ignited when he began ‘crewing’ for a friend in a topper at age 12. He remembers that his friend was too short for the role—aren’t all sailors next to Jono?—leaving him to handle most of the responsibilities. Consequently, he rapidly gained experience before transitioning to other classes like the Laser, RS400, SB3, VXOne, J109, and, naturally, the Musto Skiff.
Nowadays, Jono calls Scotland home, primarily sailing out of Largs Sailing Club. He is also a long-time member of Ullswater Yacht Club, which he considers his spiritual home, visiting regularly with his family to enjoy sailing and the stunning Lakes over long weekends.
Ullswater Yacht Club hosts the notorious Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, which remains a significant challenge for him. Reflecting on his near-wins at major regattas but falling short, Jono noted, “I have placed in every top-10 position at the Lord Birkett Trophy except 1st!! I placed second again this year!! It stings. This adds to the sting of three consecutive second-place finishes in the SB3 at Cowes Week when over 100 boats competed.”
While Jono continues to strive for those elusive Musto Skiff titles, he has also excelled in other classes. He has notably won the VXOne National Championship three times and the VX European Gold Cup twice. He has triumphed in the Champion of Champions (the Scottish Endeavour), been an SB3 Australian National Champion, and finished third overall in the D-Zero National Championships. Recently, he has started racing a J109 in the RC35 Class with his brother and friends—including fellow Musto Skiff sailors—winning the series overall for two consecutive seasons.
With so much variety in his sailing experiences and a competitive nature, one has to wonder: is this Jono’s year to shine in Sydney?
The Musto Skiff is a challenging boat to learn and master. Are there still aspects that you find difficult about sailing it?
Thankfully, I’ve moved past the steep learning curves that lead to frequent swims, but it’s a continuous challenge to optimize the boat’s performance, especially with the new sail, as well as to enhance my maneuvering efficiency. Generally, I feel fast upwind in most conditions—arriving at the windward mark first several times at this year’s Worlds—but I need to improve my downwind speed to maintain that lead!
This season marked your return to the Musto Skiff after dealing with an Achilles injury last year. How do you feel being back in the boat, and what preparations have you undertaken for the upcoming Worlds in Sydney?
It’s fantastic to be back! I didn’t race in 2023 due to injury, and I really missed it. My Achilles feels strong again, and my boat handling is returning to where I want it. I had a mixed experience at the Worlds in Weymouth, achieving some great results paired with some disappointing ones! Since then, I’ve focused on getting on the water frequently, participating in a few top-class events up North against competitors like Euan Hurter, Jamie Hilton, and Danny Boatman. I plan to keep sailing through the winter weather while working on my fitness, so I hope to arrive as prepared as possible.
What do you love most about sailing the Musto Skiff?
It is an absolute thrill to sail in any breeze, and I think the talent within the fleet, along with the quality of racing, makes it one of the top-tier amateur classes. Off the water, the camaraderie and shared experiences truly distinguish it from other classes. I often bring my entire family to events, and they will join me in Sydney, where they feel welcomed. Many dedicated individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to promote the class and organize exceptional events in remarkable locations. Sailing with my best friends is hard to beat.
The 2025 Worlds will take place at Woollahra Sailing Club, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Have you sailed there before? What excites you most about racing in that location?
I won an SB3 event in Sydney Harbour a few years back. What an incredible experience it was sailing amidst such famous landmarks—I am eagerly anticipating returning. Sydney Harbour poses unique challenges, including the additional traffic and obstacles that make strategic planning essential! I hope to spot some 18ft skiffs racing too—I’m keen for a joyride!
Lastly, what are your predictions for the 2025 Worlds, and what are your placement hopes?
My goal is to finish in the top five, but considering the exceptional talent in the fleet, anywhere in the top half would be a fantastic outcome! I expect the Australian competitors will be competitive as usual. Matthias won in Garda in 2023 against the best in Europe, and Jon Newman consistently performs well in major events. From the UK fleet, several fast competitors to watch include Rob Richardson, Danny Boatman, Andy ‘Turbo’ Tarboton, and if Pete Greenhalgh participates, he will be contending for the front positions. And don’t forget a guy named Shelley; keep an eye on him…
About the Musto Skiff 2025 Worlds
The ACO 14th Musto Skiff World Championship 2025 will be hosted at Woollahra Sailing Club in Sydney, Australia, from January 2nd to 10th, 2025. For full event details, see here or visit the host venue’s website to download the Notice of Race and enter. Standard entry will be available until November 31, 2024.
The 2025 Worlds event is supported by the principal sponsor, ACO, along with supporting sponsor J&J Robertson and Sons, in partnership with ANJ Container Services, and event partners Musto, Ovington Boats, and the B14 Class, which will also be hosting their World Championship during the same week.
Stay tuned for our next interview with class sailor Alexander Greil, who will represent Switzerland at the Musto Skiff 2025 Worlds in January.
