A MODERATE north-westerly breeze provided ideal racing conditions as competitors took to the water for this week’s individual Bute race at Toward Sailing Club.
Six keelboats and three dinghies lined up on the start line, with the fleet quickly spreading out. Shady made an excellent start through the moorings, while Katana got away well at the opposite end of the line before tacking around the first mark and heading off at pace.
Still Game and Parallel Motion rounded the opening mark in first and second place, followed by Shady, Katana, Toots, Wild Goose, Sgaden, Purple Pixie and Kittiwake.
On the downwind leg, Wild Goose and Sgaden both overtook Katana, with the two boats running neck and neck as they approached the I mark.
At the front of the fleet, Still Game and Parallel Motion maintained their positions throughout. Still Game took a slightly longer route to one of the marks after the crew had to confirm the course with no other boats ahead to follow.
Further back, Toots overtook Shady after sailing closer to the wind on the leg towards Ardyne. The two boats remained close together until Toots spotted the finish line and pulled away to cross ahead of Shady.
Another enjoyable evening of racing was had by all competitors.
After handicaps were applied, the keelboat results saw Purple Pixie, skippered by K. Baird-Dean, take first place, followed by Wild Goose (G. Judd) in second and Toots (J. Procter) in third.
In the dinghy fleet, Kittiwake, sailed by J. McLean-Morton, claimed first place.
