RACING on Wednesday, May 6, proved a stern test for competitors at Holy Loch Sailing Club as light and inconsistent winds created difficult conditions.
The fickle breeze, appearing and disappearing throughout the evening, made tactics and boat handling crucial across all classes.
Holy Loch Sailing Club sailing secretary Bill Aitchison opted for the bold decision of setting a downwind start, a course choice requiring both confidence and precision from the race officer due to the risks of congestion and confusion at the opening mark. The fleet was sent north towards the head of the loch before facing a demanding upwind leg later in the race.
In the Piper Class, Tom Piper, helmed by Duncan Munro alongside owner Ali Gordon and crew member Iain Sinclair, took an early advantage by sailing a slightly lower line to the opening mark. Despite several anxious moments as the wind faded, the crew handled the challenging conditions expertly to secure a second consecutive series victory. The battle for second place remained fiercely contested throughout, with positions changing repeatedly as the wind shifted, but Staypuff ultimately claimed a narrow yet deserved runner-up finish.
Only two boats contested the Flying Fifteen class, but the duel between them remained close from start to finish. More Mischieff, helmed by Chris Bowen, crossed the line ahead of Efficacious, sailed by Tommy and Susan McGeachie. However, after handicaps were applied, Efficacious claimed victory by the slimmest of margins.
Three dinghies took to the water, with the conditions suiting Neil Towart in his ISO. He produced a strong performance to finish comfortably ahead of Neil Wilson’s Contender and Harris Munns’ Laser Radial.
In the White Sail fleet, Judicious, helmed by Jim Hoey, led the four-boat class around the course and finished well ahead of Moonlight, sailed by Nigel Scriven, and Atia, helmed by Duncan Chalmers. The finishing order remained unchanged after handicaps were calculated.
Results
Pipers: 1, – Tom Piper (Duncan Munro, Ali Gordon, Iain Sinclair); 2, – Stay Puff (Robert Towart, Charmaine Boyd, Caroline Clark); 3, – Talisker (Jamie Rogers, Matilda McLaren, Neil McLaren); 4, – Tamarind (Andy Love, David Bonnar, James Heggarty); 5, – Billie Piper (Iain Hurrel, Graeme Murray, Ivor Warren).
Flying Fifteens: 1, – Efficacious (Tommy McGeachie, Susan McGeachie); 2, – More Mischieff (Chris Bowen, Katie Bowen).
Dinghies: 1, – Stubborn Tart ISO (Neil Towart, Clare Towart); 2, – Painted Warrior Contender (Neil Wilson); 3, – All The Gear Laser Radial (Harris Munns).
