Brennan Robinson on Winter Training for the Musto Skiff 2025 World Championships
by the International Musto Skiff Class Association 15 Nov 14:05 PST
In our latest sailor interview from the Musto Skiff class, we speak with Brennan Robinson, a regular competitor on the GBR circuit who is preparing to represent South Africa at the ACO 14th Musto Skiff 2025 World Championships in January.
Since the event will take place in Australia, GBR-based Brennan recently shipped his boat in a container to Woollahra Sailing Club, the event venue that boasts a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour, where daily racing will occur.
So, how is Brennan training for the championship with his boat now halfway around the globe, and how is this South African sailor coping with the UK winter sailing conditions?
Discovering more about Brennan Robinson….
Brennan’s home club is Boskop Yacht Club in Noordwes, South Africa, but he is currently residing in Cambridge, UK, and is a member of Grafham Water Sailing Club.
While enjoying his time in the Musto Skiff, Brennan has extensive sailing experience, having competed in various boats over the years, including Dabchicks (a South African junior class), Fireballs, 420s, 470s, and 505s, along with assorted keelboats and even some catamarans.
In addition to excelling in the silver fleet at a major Musto Skiff regatta, Brennan has enjoyed success in South African dinghy and keelboat events. He notably secured 2nd place in the Cape2Rio Race with his family in 2011, which he proudly states is “easily my proudest sailing achievement.”
When did your sailing journey begin?
I vaguely remember sailing a Sprog (a local SA 2-person dinghy) with my dad around the age of six. However, I began sailing more seriously in Mirrors with my friend Sean van Rensburg and later, my siblings. I purchased my first Musto in 2018, marking my venture into skiffs. I sought a fresh challenge, as there’s always something new to learn and master on those boats. Sailing in choppy conditions out of Grafham keeps me alert.
What do you appreciate most about being part of the Musto Skiff class and sailing this skiff?
This class beautifully blends competitiveness with camaraderie. It’s a challenging boat to sail, but there’s an endless pool of talented sailors willing to share their knowledge. And the downwind sailing? It’s simply unmatched.
With the 2025 Worlds just months away, what preparations have you undertaken to gear up for the championship, now that your boat is safely on its way to Sydney?
I managed to acquire a reasonably priced second boat to train on while our boats are en route. Now it’s about toughening up and getting on the water, even during those not-so-glamorous winter days.
Have you previously sailed on Sydney Harbour, and what excites you most about racing there for the 2025 Worlds?
Growing up, I watched in awe as massive skiffs raced on the edge of control at one of the world’s most iconic sailing venues, often envisioning myself in their position.
Lastly, have you set any specific targets for the 2025 Worlds? What are your insights on the top contenders?
Honestly, I’m focused on enjoying some fantastic sailing down there. I’ll leave the predictions up to the experts, but it will undoubtedly be a fiercely competitive event, as always!
About the Musto Skiff 2025 Worlds
The ACO 14th Musto Skiff World Championship 2025 will take place at Woollahra Sailing Club in Sydney, Australia, from January 2nd to 10th, 2025. For complete event information, click here, or visit the host venue’s website for the NOR and entry form. Standard entries are accepted through November 31, 2024.
The 2025 Worlds is supported by primary sponsor ACO, alongside supporting sponsor J&J Robertson and Sons, in collaboration with ANJ Container Services, and event partners Musto, Ovington Boats, and the B14 Class, which will also host their World Championship during the same week.
Stay tuned for our next class sailor interview featuring Jono Shelley, who will represent Great Britain at the Musto Skiff 2025 Worlds in January.
