THE FIRST truly windy race of the season provided exhilarating sailing conditions for competitors at Holy Loch Sailing Club on Wednesday, May 27, as a fresh and remarkably steady easterly breeze combined with bright sunshine and warm temperatures to create what many would consider near-perfect racing weather.
In the Piper fleet, Team Tom Piper – Duncan Munro, Stuart Brown and Ali Gordon – continued their dominant form. With the overall series victory already secured and two races still to come, the crew could afford to take risks and did exactly that with a bold port-tack start at the pin end of the line. The gamble paid off handsomely, allowing them to establish an early lead before their rivals could react.
Despite determined efforts from Andy Love and the Tamarind crew to close the gap, Tom Piper remained firmly in control, powering to her most convincing victory of the season. Excellent boat handling in the challenging conditions and disciplined defensive tactics ensured the leaders stayed ahead throughout. Staypuff, skippered by Robert Towart, recovered from a slow start in characteristic fashion to claim third place by the finish.
The Flying Fifteen class saw Iain Sinclair and Kirsty Brown aboard Nae Fear take command from the outset. The pair steadily extended their advantage around the course and, despite a couple of nervous moments when sudden gusts almost caused them to broach and take on water, they held their lead to the finish. Jim Maclean and Mr Iain gave chase throughout, with both crews relishing the stronger winds.
Competition was equally close in the White Sail fleet. Jim Hoey, sailing Judicious, led on the water from an early stage and gradually increased his advantage during the race. However, Duncan Chalmers in Atia remained within striking distance and, once handicaps were applied, emerged as the winner. Neil Stewart aboard Panache crossed the line third on the water, but was unable to maintain enough of a margin over Ken Grant’s Tigh Soluis 5, which moved ahead on corrected time.
The dinghy fleet enjoyed the fresh conditions, although the stronger breeze also produced some dramatic moments. Both competing boats suffered capsizes on the downwind legs. Neil and Claire Towart aboard the ISO Stubborn Tart recovered quickly and successfully completed the race. Fin Hurrel and Harris Munns were less fortunate when their spinnaker became wrapped around the centreboard during recovery from a capsize. Assistance from the patrol boat was required, and the crew were ultimately forced to retire.
With sunshine, steady winds and plenty of action across all fleets, the evening provided some of the most enjoyable and competitive sailing seen on the Holy Loch so far this season.
