Scottish Championships blown away

The stage was set, the competitors ready and the welcome warm but the weather was against us. As the fleet set out from Granton East Harbour and into Wardie Bay the brisk South Westerly breeze was exactly what was needed for a "proper" championship event. The OOD set a trapezoid course with a single outer loop and the racing began on time at 1pm. The early leader was Andrew MacGowan but the chasing pack were not in the mood to let him get away. At the end of the first run the leader was clear but the fight for the minor placings was close between Jamie, Alexander, Emma, Rory, Emma, Emily and Samantha. With some serious squalls to catch the unwary Andrew was playing it safe at the front but just a little too safe and at the last mark Jamie had the lead down to just a few lengths. The two boats split to opposite sides of the short final beat and at the finish it was Jamie who took line honours.

With the wind now building towards a force six there was a lengthy delay as the RIBS tended to tail enders and an increasing number of capsizes in the waiting fleet. Several sailors were jealousy eying Joanne's 4.2 sail as the wisest choice of the afternoon showing it does pay to check the forecast. (thanks dad!)

After a significant delay to ensure the smaller sailors were safely rescued race two was underway on the same trapezoid course. The first beat was proving a real test but once the leaders were across the reach and into the run the fun really started. With the wind now steadily over 30 knots and the run on the more gusty South side of the course at least half the fleet simultaneously spun out with those who survived disappearing in a ball of spray downwind. Survival was now definitely the order of the day and even those who tried to tack round were finding it almost impossible to make progress downwind without a periscope. As Joanne rounded the second windward mark in seventh place (yes seventh) and looked ever more likely to make the top 3 it was a disspointed Dad who saw the N over A broken out as the conditions became unsailable for all but the best swimmers.

With all the sailors safely tallied back ashore it was clear that with the club anemometer showing regular numbers in the 40 knot range that the OOD had made the right call and the Barbecue was fired up a little early. An excellent spread was served by the freindly Royal Forth Team and we headed home with hopes of 4 more great races to come.

Sadly Sunday morning saw conditions stubbornly refusing to improve and after a short delay and a discussion with the sailors all attempts at holding further races were abandoned. So it was Jamie Noyes who took the prize for winning the only race of the weekend but with only one race to count there was no series and so the Scottish Championship now rolls over to the next available event. Prestwick Sailing Club on 12th and 13th September. (And don't forget the season finale and part 2 of the Inland Championship at Loch Tummel SC the week after - 19/20th September)

See You there.

Thank you Royal Forth for a great weekend. Sorry about the weather.

G.