Fantastic blue skies, but light winds to contend with, and sailors still wrapped in wet/drysuits (just in case!)
There was a mixed bag of racing starting with a pursuit race counting towards the Celebrity Glass series. In this instance it wasn’t difficult for all to pass the Mirror of Mik Chappell who was first away as, despite the light breeze, he fell out at the first rounding mark capsizing the boat in the process and subsequently retiring. It was new member Simon Longstaff, crewed by Jon Denwood in a new F15 who came through the pack of single sailed boats, including no less than seven Lasers, to take the win. Tim Chittenden in his Laser was second and Scumper in an RS Vareo third at the finish.
There followed a championship long series race for the Handicap Fleet in which Longstaff/Denwood were again victorious, with Scumper second and Hugh Godfrey/Rachel Newstead took third position in their GP14.
Sunday morning proved challenging with a 180 degree wind shift before the race started requiring a rethink of the course and resetting the start line. Tim Chittenden had switched to his F15 and, with Richard Townsend crewing won this class with Martyn Stephenson/Steve Hannah runner up. The GP14 Class was won by Mike Fairlamb/Eric Smith from Alastair and Claire Duncan. Winners in the Handicap Fleet were Joan and Jack Hardie in an RS200 with Scumper second yet again. The Laser Radial of Joe Watkins finished in third position.
The afternoon race was a pennant race in aid of the Calvert Trust, typically sailed around the lake. However, it was decided to just send the fleet half way down the lake. Although the wind carried the leaders to Scarness reasonably well, it did ease. Just after John and Janis Halliday led the way around the leeward mark, Mik Chappell, bringing up the rear in his Mirror, brought wind and the pace quickened. Having taken about 50 mins to get to the leeward mark the return trip was only 20 mins. Although John and Janis had a good lead from Mike Fairlamb and Eric Smith in a GP at the finish, when the personal handicap calculations were applied it was Alistair and Claire Duncan that were overall winners
Pennant races count towards the Sandra’s Salver for lady crews. This first round was won by Claire Duncan from Janis Halliday with Sue Watson, crewing for Alan Nicholson, third in a GP14.