FOURTEEN yachts and dinghies gathered off Holy Loch Sailing Club on Sunday for the annual Gantocks Race, providing a colourful spectacle for those watching from the shore.
A moderate westerly breeze made for excellent racing conditions, with competitors enjoying a long downwind leg towards Gourock before beating back towards the navigation mark at Gantocks Rock.
With spinnakers set across the fleet, the opening leg produced a kaleidoscope of colour on the water as sailors battled for early advantage.
In the Piper Class, Jim Campbell’s Leander and Iain Hurrel’s Billie made the early running. However, by the time the fleet was heading back towards Dunoon, Billie had established a commanding lead.
With Graeme Murray, sporting his trademark Sou’wester, and Sam Law at the front of the boat, Billie proved uncatchable and went on to take a convincing victory.
Robert Towart’s Staypuff moved through into second place, while Talisker, sailed by Jamie Rogers and Neil McLaren, completed the podium.
The Flying Fifteen class saw a two-boat battle between More Mischieff and Efficacious.
As the pair left the Holy Loch, Efficacious was hot on the heels of More Mischieff. But fortunes changed as they rounded the point at Hunter’s Quay.
More Mischieff was fortunate to find some breeze, while Efficacious sailed into a calm patch. The difference proved costly, allowing More Mischieff to establish a substantial lead on the sail across to Gourock and ultimately secure victory.
Five boats competed in the White Sail fleet, where Judicious took an early gamble by heading towards the Kilmun shore after the start.
The move paid dividends as the J30 crossed back towards the main fleet while the boats were leaving the Holy Loch. Judicious then built a comfortable lead as they headed towards the Gourock shore. Moonlight took second place, but the highlight of their race came as they crossed towards Gourock. The crew were treated to the spectacular sight of a local pod of bottlenose dolphins, which surrounded the boat as they made their way across the Clyde.
Two ISO class dinghies competed, with Stubborn Tart, sailed by Neil and Clare Towart, enjoying a great sail.
The most memorable part of their race came on the leg between Gourock and the Gantocks, when they too were joined by a local pod of dolphins. The dolphins breached alongside the boat numerous times, providing an unforgettable accompaniment to the race.
As the fleet sailed back towards their moorings to de-rig after the race, the sailors were treated to one final spectacle.
The Waverley made a sailpast, providing a magnificent backdrop as the competitors returned to their mooring on the Holy Loch.
Following a day of competitive racing, shifting fortunes, encounters with bottlenose dolphins and some beautiful sailing conditions, the sight of the Waverley passing the fleet was the perfect finish to an excellent race — and a memorable afternoon on the water for everyone involved.
Piper Class results: 1, – Billie (Iain Hurrel, Graeme Murray, Sam Law); 2, – Staypuff (Robert Towart, Charmaine Boyd); 3, – Talisker (Jamie Rogers, Neil McLaren); 4, – Tamarind (Andy Love, David Bonnar, Kev Robinson); 5, – Leander (Jim Campbell, James Hegarty, Talyn Shaw).
Flying Fifteen results: 1, – More Mischieff (Chris Bowen, Marion Bowen); 2, – Efficacious (Tommy McGeachie, Susan McGeachie).
White Sail results: 1, – Judicious (J30) (Jim Hoey, Ralph Houston, Andrew Leech, Archie Munns); 2, – Moonlight (Sonata) (Nigel Scriven, Derek Webber); 3, – Mike Honcho (J24) (Fin Hurrel, Harris Munns, James Russell, Ross Moble); 4, – TighSoluis 5 (Moody 30) (Ken Grant); 5, – Panache (Sigma 33) (Neil Stewart, Maureen Stewart, Fiona Ross).
Dinghy results: 1, – Stubborn Tart (Neil Towart, Clare Towart); 2, – No Name (Ali MacVicar).
