Lochcarron Regatta 2007
(All photos from Alex Ingram www.lochcarron.tv )
(Competitors and supporters in front of our new clubhouse.)
The Annual Lochcarron Regatta was held over the weekend of 23rd and 24th of June.
Proceedings began with the “Official Opening” of the new Clubhouse. Jane Scott, the RYA Scottish Development Officer, did the honours and cut the pink ribbon to allow the assembled throng access the kitchen which was run throughout the weekend by Gail Maguire and Fiona Mackay -- and their families!
Jane praised the club members for their hard work in developing the new facilities and reflected on how far the club had come since its early beginnings on the foreshore with Stan Forrester’s caravan as a base. (Stan himself managed to come down to join in the weekend on Sunday afternoon -- and the club wishes to extend their wishes for a speedy recovery after his recent illness.)
This year the Sailing Club was hosting the North of Scotland Dinghy Championship and North of Scotland Schools Championship, so we were most grateful to Iona Cornish, of Royal Findhorn Sailing Club, who came to be race officer for the weekend.
Twenty six dinghies took part with a total of 34 sailors participating. The fleet was divided into two groups -- a Fast Handicap and Slow Handicap section, with eleven boats in the former and fifteen in the latter group. Iona outlined the courses to the gathered sailors and battle commenced on Saturday with a fickle breeze that initially refused to stay in one direction for more than five minutes. After some delay the courses were set, the start sequence began and --- they’re off! The “Fast Handicap” boats started five minutes ahead of the “Slows” and with each race lasting about forty minutes it usually happened that the faster boats sailed four or so laps to three of the slower ones. This may have seemed confusing to shore watchers.
Four races were sailed on Saturday --- with the last race completed just as the wind died down for the night. There followed an excellent barbeque and social evening on the veranda, with views over the loch as sun went down and the barbeque smoke kept the midgies at bay.
(Competitors gather prior to the start of racing on Sunday morning.)
Sunday dawned with a strong East wind and a greyer look to the day. After a quick briefing, the dinghies launched and several struggled to stay upright in the strengthening breeze which rose to a Force five, gusting six by late morning. At first the rescue boats were fully occupied coping with the younger sailors as they battled the conditions, but eventually the course was set and the survivors fought it out to gain class honours. Particular praise must be given to the youngsters who prevailed in these conditions and kept their boats in trim. One even survived a snapped mast and rushed in to rig a spare Topper and take part in the next race! We were pleased to welcome the Kyle lifeboat which appeared to join the fun and take photos of the smiling sailors as they whooped around the course!
After the morning race the fleet returned to pack up and stock up on some more warm food before gathering for the prize-giving. Roddy (butcher) Maclennan presented the prizes for the club regatta and Catriona MacIntyre, of Arnold Clarke Volvo, presented the trophies for the North of Scotland Awards. (The club is grateful to Caley Marina and Arnold Clarke for their support.)
The Regatta Winners were:
Fast Handicap: 1st Ian Ellis (Findhorn -- Musto Skiff ), 2nd Steve Patch and Jane Hickman (Lochcarron -- Albacore ), 3rd Murdo Wright (Helensburgh -- Blaze).
Slow Handicap: 1st Micky Todd (Glasgow -- Solo), 2nd Gregor Murray (Tain -- Topper), 3rd Ewen Mackenzie (Dingwall -- Topper).
The Forrester Trophy (best club member under 15 years) was won by Simon Parsons, Steve Patch and Jane Hickman won the Best Club Fast Handicap trophy and Dougal Murray won the Best Club Slow Handicap trophy.
Slow Handicap (Restricted) was won by Cathy Kitson Jones. Joan Maxwell Endeavour Trophy was presented to Jack Evans and the keenly fought Schools Championship Trophy was awarded jointly to Dingwall and Tain Academy.
On behalf of all the competitors, Ian Ellis thanked the club for an excellent event and all present promised to return next year!!
The next highlight on the Sailing Club agenda is the annual training week which begins on Monday the 2nd of July, so keep your eyes on the loch for even more fun and games over the rest of the summer!
( The Prizewinners. Back Row: Steve Patch Jane Hickman, Ewen MacKenzie, Gregor Murray, Ian Ellis, Jack Evans, Dougal Murray. Front row: ? child of Mickey Todd, Mickey Todd, Cathy Kitson Jones and son, Murdo Wright.)
Check out the the other News Story for a full list of results.
