The last sailing day of our season was a beautiful day with the slightest hint of drizzle in the air near the end of the day. The wind was very favourable for sailing the model yachts. The vessels with there mid sized sails and spinnakers fitted headed outward from the start line towards the shed from there the yachts were drawn over to the long shore just passed the scarf rock. Then with a slackening of the main sail onwards to the goal at the top of the loch.

The days events consisted of three races beginning with the David Miller Cup. The Apollo and Firewood were neck and neck on the spinnaker run. On the return the Firewood had the edge being marginally faster but lost most of this advantage as it caught the edge of 'the hole'. Ten seconds split the leading two boats. First Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 25min 18sec, Second Apollo, 25min 28sec. Third Shangani sailed by Tony Wilson & Peter Sinclair, 28min 37sec, Fourth Argo, 29min 7sec and in fifth position the Jolly Roger sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner, 29min 34sec.

The second event for the Wm. Sinclair Memorial Cup again began with the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson and Firewood leading the fleet. Being closely matched they collided on the spinnaker run just passed half way and didn't separate until the burn at the top. Although they continued in the correct direction there speed was relatively slow allowing the Argo to close the gap. On the return the Argo's pace and direction was untouchable sailing cleanly from end to end. First Argo sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 24min, Second Apollo, 25min 18sec. Third Firewood 26min 30sec and in Fourth the Jolly Roger 27min, 30sec.

The final event of the season for the much coveted and prestigious '1903' Cup is a unique race as it is a scratch race meaning each yacht sails head to head without the normal handicap system. The Shangani and the Apollo changed there sail set to the next size in an effort to gain extra speed. The race began well but with a minor change in wind direction the boats hit the long shore just prior to the scarf rock a difficult rocky area. The sails were slackened to continue onward. At the far end te boats were still tightly packed together. The Apollo and Sapphire were the first to return with the Argo closing.

The final positions were First Argo, 24min 14sec, Second Apollo, 24min 56sec, Third Jolly Roger 25min 50sec and in Fourth Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay, 26min 12sec.

The prize giving was held in the evening at The Smiddy Inn, the trophies were presented by Jim Oag. This year has been a very good season with excellent weather and new competitors. The friendly family atmosphere enjoyed at the club will hopefully continue into the future. I would like to thank all the participants for making this happen and to thank Isla Mcleod from the Thrumster Estate for her continued support of the club.

A mild day was had by the sailors at Sarclet even the water was warm. Outward bound from the start line the yachts had to tack up the loch and return with spinnakers fitted.

The first race for the Wm. Dunnet Ford Cup began with the yachts jostling for the lead as they went from side to side. The Pioneer was struggling to make much headway and had to change its sails to the middle sized suit, part way during the race to match everyone else. The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson was sailing very close to the wind, although slightly slower than the others, it had one less tack to perform making it the first to begin the return leg. The Blue Haze was sailing steadily and slowly began to catch the leader which required a number of adjustments each tweak costing it valuable time. When the vessels passed the shed it was neck and neck at the finish line only 1 second separated first and second position.

The final positions were in first position was the Apollo, 31min 23sec followed by the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 31min 24sec. Third Valsheda sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner, 34min 33sec and in fourth was the Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson & Peter Sinclair, 38min.

The second event of the day was a junior race for the Wm. Tait Memorial Cup. The contest began in much the same way as the first with yachts tacking up the loch this time the advantage of one less tack went to the Blue Haze sailed by Lewis Paterson. The wind had increased slightly on the return leg causing some erratic sailing. Again the Blue Haze was the steadiest and stretched its lead only to fall foul of 'the hole'. Although a lot of time was lost getting out to the gaining fleet also had there own difficulties with their overpowered sails.

The race concluded with the Blue Haze finishing in first position, 31min 30sec. Second was the Pioneer sailed by Rorie Sinclair, 35min 43sec. Third the Apollo sailed by Lucia Sinclair & Katie Paterson, 36min and Fourth the Aurora sailed by Katie McKinnon, 38min 10sec and in final position was the Valsheda sailed by Adam Bremner grandson of Wm. Tait in 46min.

Saturday a beautiful sunny day with a fine breeze, the model yachts were fitted with there mid sized sails as the wind seemed to marginally ease at the beginning of the first race. The yachts headed from the start line towards the shed, two yachts the Aurora and Firewood luffed up into the direction of the oncoming wind and flipped on to the other tack, the rest of the fleet continued just past the shed. Three tacks were required to get to the far end. The first vessel to make its way back with a spinnaker fitted was the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson benefiting from its early mistake. The wind strength increased on the return leg, a well tuned Apollo sailed steadily hugging the short shore followed by the Valhalla. An oversailed unstable Firewood followed the long shore losing a lot of time.

The final positions for the MacAllan Shield were, in first position the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 24min 40sec, second Valhalla sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner, 28min 20sec, third Firewood, 29min 40sec and in fourth the Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller & Katie McKinnon, 33min.

The second event began in much the same manner as the first but this time the Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson & Peter Sinclair, after having it sails changed from small to middle sized during the interval, was the domineering yacht. The increase in wind speed caused slightly more erratic sailing noted by the slower times.

For the George Groat Cup first position the Pioneer, 27min, second Apollo, 28min 22sec, third Valhalla, 30min and in fourth Aurora, 31min 46sec.

A beam wind was blowing on saturday all competitors adopted their smallest sails. At the start line the wind was quite fierce but at the opposing end it was more tolerable. For the first race the odd one out was the Aurora which had a flat spinnaker, all the others just eased there sails to compensate but the difference with the extra sail area was very obvious and it rapidly made its way up the loch. The trailing flotilla of yachts competed for second position. On the return leg the Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller had the main sail just a fraction too tight and landed in 'the hole'. The following fleet managed to gain ground but the lead was to great to overcome.

For the Donald Hendry Memorial Cup the final placings were, first Aurora, 19min, second Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 20min 30sec, third Apollo,21min 50sec and in fourth the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson 23min.

The second race for the Donaldson Cup, all the boats were fitted with spinnakers. The Aurora again the led the way up the loch and continued to increase their lead on the return. When the boat reached the shed a bizarre twist happened, the yacht luffed up into the wind and sailed back the direction it came. It was recaptured after the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam cruised past to victory.

The positions were 1st Apollo, 20min 39sec, Aurora 20min 52sec and in third the Astra sailed by Michael Sutherland & Brian Milligan, 24min.

The wind was fairly light on saturday, initially in the beam direction but when the boats ventured down to the start line it dropped in strength and swung round coming directly up the loch. The yachts had to sail into the wind tacking from side to side then return home with a spinnaker fitted. The Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller & Katie McKinnon forged a good lead and managed to hold position even with the lighter winds at the opposite end of the loch. On the return leg the Thor sailed by Robin Webster was making up a lot of ground closing the gap.

For the 2nd leg of the Cameo Shield we have the Aurora claiming first position, 32min 5sec. Second Thor 33min 35sec, third Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam, 36min 5sec, fourth Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 45min, fifth Valsheda sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner, 47min.

The second race for the Donald Oag Memorial Cup began after the hailstones cleared with our junior members taking part. As with the first race the boats tacked up the loch but this time the breeze was good and steady with all participants reaching the far end together. The Apollo sailed by Jack Hamilton & Katie Paterson gradually increased their lead over the others. The Blue Haze sailed by Lewis Paterson managed to gain a couple of positions with a steady spinnaker run.

The race concluded with the Apollo in first position, 29min 30sec, second Blue Haze 33min, third Valsheda sailed by Adam Bremner, 35min and in fourth the Aurora sailed by Katie McKinnon with a time of 37min.

The weekend for the InterCounty Challenge began at 11o'clock on saturday morning. Three races were anticipated each day, two races per trophy. The wind blew straight up the loch, with there mid-sized sails the yachts had to tack there way into the oncoming breeze then return under spinnaker. Six vessels from the Wick side and two from Orkney contested for the prizes.

Saturday finished with the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson domineering the day winning the three races with quicker times as the day had progressed. The next best boat of the day was an Orkney vessel Hope sailed by Alan Walls & Ian Kirkness & Andrew Wylie who were consistently third in every race. Sunday was a bright day, luckily we had an interval when the heavens opened and hail stones fell as they kind of hurt. The wind had moved slightly almost allowing the yachts to sail end to end compared to the previous day. The boats headed from the start line aiming for the goal at the far end when as they passed an area we call the 'point' they fell off towards the scarf rock then with minor adjustments they headed onward to the goal. The return could be made with a finely tuned yacht in one trip unfortunately a few landed in 'the hole' allowing a very consistent Apollo to win the first 2 races. The final race of the day saw an increase in wind speed, the Hope took advantage and won the race 3 minutes ahead of the next vessel the Apollo.

A thankyou has to mentioned of Bill Drever who has never missed a year since the inauguration of this event 21 years ago. Also a thankyou to the sponsorship provided to aide run this event from the Dounreay Employees Charity Fund.

So as our weekend concluded the awards are as follows MayDay Shield 1st Apollo, 12points 2nd Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller & Katie McKinnon, 8 points 3rd Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 6 points

Caithness Glass Bowl 1st Apollo, 12 points 2nd Aurora, 8 3rd equal Hope & Highlander sailed by Arthur Deerness & Bill Drever

Quatercentenary Cup 1st Apollo, 11 points 2nd Hope, 10 points 3rd Highlander, 9 points

Viking Cup - vessel with the most accumulated points over the weekend 1st Apollo, 35 points 2nd Hope, 21 points 3rd equal Aurora & Highlander, 20 points

Bill Drever Cup - Orkney vessel with the most accumulated points over the weekend 1st Hope, 21 points 2nd Highlander, 20 points

Saturday another weekend with light winds, in fact very similar conditions to the previous week. With the boats following an exaggerated 'S' shape from the goal they headed towards the shed then with slight adjustments they sailed to the opposing shore to the scarf rock then onwards to the burn on the opposite side finally reaching the goal at the top of the loch. The vessels were fitted with there largest sails and a small spinnaker to compensate for the slightly off beam wind. The first yacht home to claim the 1st leg of the Cameo Shield was the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson in a time of 30min 9sec. Second the Valhalla sailed by Sandy and Adam Bremner, 33min. Third Thor sailed by Robin Webster, 34min 20 sec and in fourth was the Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 36min.

The second race started with the wind speed marginally increased. The yachts followed the same path up the loch as the first race but the return was more critical. The Apollo led the way with the Blue Haze in pursuit, mid way on the return they both hit the shore and required a change of tack to complete there journeay. But just after they turned the wind also moved allowing the others following to sail directly from one goal to the other. The Apollo and the Blue Haze landed deep in the 'hole' the Pioneer was next clipping the edge but the Aurora made up remarkable ground to cross the finish line in first position. For the 1st leg of the Dunlin Cup the Aurora sailed by Archie and Fiona Miller and Katie McKinnon, 30min 38sec. Second Pioneer, 31min 38sec. Third Apollo, 32min 3sec and in fourth the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 33min 52sec.

Tomorrow we have our InterCounty challenge sponsored by the Dounreay Employees Charity Fund an exciting weekends sailing. The Wick Model Yacht Club versus the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club compete for 3 trophies over two days. Racing will begin at 11o'clock consisting of 3 races per day.

Saturday the 18th, a light breeze flowing as a beam wind across the loch. Eight yachts began the race for the 2nd leg of the Valkyrie Cup as soon as they left the start line they all, with there largest sails, headed off the racing line towards the Scarf Rock. With minor adjustments and a slight change of wind direction the boats sailed across to the short side, again requiring adjustments to get the vessels to the goal at the far end. The yachts were following a 'S' shape up the loch touching both shores before returning following the same path. The Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay and Peter Sinclair completed the race slowly and consistently in first position in a time of 34min 50sec. Second position was very tightly contested with only 2 seconds splitting second and third. Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, 36min 13sec and Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 36min 15sec. Fourth the Aurora sailed by Archie and Fiona Miller and Katie McKinnon, 39min 30sec. The others had difficulty holding direction due to the light winds and abandoned there efforts.

The next race was the first of the junior competitions. The boats followed the same 'S' pattern up the loch with an even lighter breeze. Six junior members took part in the first leg of the Sarclet Queen trophy. In first position was the Blue Haze sailed by Lewis Paterson, 30min 10sec. Second Apollo sailed by Katie Paterson, 36min 54sec. Third Valhalla sailed by Adam Bremner, 38min 4sec. Fourth Aurora sailed by Katie McKinnon, 41min and in fifth Sapphire sailed by Rory Sinclair, 42min 29sec. Unfortunately the Pioneer sailed by Lucia Sinclair did not finish, the wind was not strong enough to hold the yachts direction and it fell away from the wind.

The InterCounty challenge sponsored by the Dounreay Employees Charity Fund , Wick Model Yacht Club versus the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club will be contested on May the 2nd and 3rd. Racing will begin at 11o'clock consisting of 3 races per day.

Saturday the 11th, a cool sunny day with a strong breeze unusually coming from the far end of the loch off the sea. From the start line the boats had to tack up the loch and return under spinnaker to finish. A difference in opinion as to which was the best tack to begin the race split the fleet. The majority started heading towards the long shore and two vessels decided the opposite tack was best so within minutes of departing a collision occurred sending all vessels in the same direction. The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson led the flotilla extending there lead on the returning spinnaker run. A slight change in wind direction sent the Apollo into 'the hole' allowing the Blue Haze to regain some ground as the Apollo was dragged out of the rocky area. The final positions for the Alliance & Leicester Shield saw the Apollo, 29min, cross the finish line seconds in front of the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 29min 10sec. Third Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay & Peter Sinclair, 30min 25sec. Fourth Valhalla sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner, 42min 30sec and in fifth Aurora sailed by Archie Miller & Katie McKinnon, 43min 40sec.

The second race for the Cameo Shield saw an increase in wind strength with the peaks of the waves turning white. The Aurora reduced the sail area to there smallest set matching the other boats. The Apollo as before led the fleet but this time the fortune of the others had changed. The Sapphire closely contesting the lead hit the most difficult part of 'the hole' allowing the Valhalla and Aurora to step up a gear and pip him to the post. The Apollo crossed the line in 26min 45sec followed in close succession by the Aurora, Valhalla and Sapphire in 27min, 27min 15sec and 27min 26sec, respectively.

Saturday the 4th, a very light breeze was flowing although it was pouring with rain, eight yachts were kitted out with their largest sails on the start line competing for the Valkyrie Cup. The Departure was slow with the vessels jostling for position up the loch. The Valhalla broke from the crowd to lead the way it was first to reach the far end when the wind dramatically changed position turning 180degrees. All yachts had to be adjusted as they hit the shore to compensate. The Valhalla led the return with the Blue haze following. An unfortunate slip up at the edge of 'the hole' sent the Valhalla on the wrong tack allowing the Blue Haze to cross the line in first position, 39min27sec. Second the SRII sailed by Jim Oag & son, 41min 33sec. Third Shingani sailed by Tony Wilson, 42min 26sec and in fourth position the Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay, 45min 25sec.

The second race for the Seaforth Cup, the wind increased and the rain got heavier but this did not discourage the sailors. Again the Valhalla led the field with the Blue Haze in close pursuit. The wind strength upset a number of boats causing reduced performance as they were over sailed and were almost on there sides. The Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson did the double and crossed the line first, 23min 51sec. Second Valhalla sailed by Adam Bremner & Jack Hamilton, 24min 40sec. Third Shingani, 25min 21sec. ans in fourth the Astra sailed by Michael & Alan Sutherland, 25min 51sec.

Saturday the 28th, a bitter cold day with the weathermen predicting snow. Racing began with sunshine all vessels departing from the start line cleanly by the time they reached the shed they were all jockeying for the lead. When the race began the wind strength predicated the yachts use there smallest sails as we progressed to the far end the wind eased slightly. On the return leg the Apollo fell of the pace due to the lack of drive. The 2nd leg of the Webster Cup ended with three boats contesting for first position. The winner was the Valhalla sailed by Adam Bremner & Jack Hamilton, 28min 19sec closely followed by the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 29min 06sec. Third Aurora sailed by Archie Miller & Katie McKinnon, 30min 15sec. Fourth Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam 36min 15sec.

Hail stones appeared during the interval which delayed the commencement of the second race, the 1st leg of the Cameo Shield. The Apollo changed its sails to the middle size all others remained with their smallest. All four vessels were very closely matched and there close proximity had an unfortunate effect on the Aurora. The Blue Haze sailing towards the finish line clipped the stern of the Aurora which was only seconds away from crossing the finish line in first position. The collision sent the Aurora back up the loch allowing the Apollo to cross the finish line in first position, 28mins, followed by the Blue Haze in 28min 12sec and the Valhalla in third with 29min 27sec. The Aurora crossed the line in 36mins.

Saturday the 21st was a breezy day with all adopting there smallest sails. The wind was slightly off beam requiring a spinnaker outward bound and return without tacking on the return leg.

The first race of the day for the Wm. More Cup was reasonably quick with the Apollo, sailed by William Donaldson & Willie Thomson, stretching a good lead by almost 5minutes from the next competitor in a time of 19min 34sec. Second the Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay in 24min 18sec. Third the Aurora in 24min 20sec and in fourth equal the Astra sailed by Michael Sutherland and the Shingani in a time of 28min 20sec.

The second race for the Shetland Tankard had one of the closest finishes we have seen in a long time. Four vessels crossed the finish line within 50seconds of each other. The fastest yacht was the Aurora sailed by Archie Miller in 20min 18sec followed by the Shingani sailed by Tony Wilson in 20min 53sec. Third position was the Apollo 21min and finally the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 21min 8sec.

Saturday the 14th what a wild day for venturing outside with rain and high winds, but it was absolutely fanastic weather for sailing our model yachts with the wind blowing across the loch, a beam wind, and the strength of wind meant this was record breaking conditions. The smallest sails were used by everyone also a flat spinnaker was used by everyone except the SRII.

The first race for the Webster Cup saw 6 vessels begin. The SRII sailed by Jim Oag never made it past the shed without damage. The shrouds gave way meaning the mast could snap at any moment. The other five boats continued up the loch at an impressive rate the first to reach the far end was the Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay closely followed by the Pioneer. On the return leg the Sapphire had the better line and headed for the goal. The Pioneer sailed by Kevin Paterson ended up in 'the hole' where the waves washed the yacht up onto the shoreline. The Sapphire crossed the finish line with a fast time of 17mins 56sec followed by the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, 21mins. Third Valhalla sailed by Adam & Sandy Bremner, 21mins 50sec. Fourth the Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller in 23mins and in fifth place was the Pioneer after being dragged out of 'the hole' in 25mins.

The second race of the day for the Alliance & Leicester Shield unlike previous weeks had the same weather conditions as the first. This time the yachts were tuned that bit better and the times had reduced. In first place was the Pioneer with a time of 16mins 43seconds only 3seconds slower than our fastest recorded time ever. The Aurora also had a very good time of 17mins 30sec. Third the Apollo with 19mins 42sec and in final position the Valhalla which sailed towards the scarf rock on the return leg travelling a further distance than the others.

The previous week saturday the 7th of march saw the Apollo dominate the racing with wins in both races.

Saturday had a good steady breeze with the model yachts adopting their middle suit of sails.

The first event of the day was the first leg of the Club Cup. Racing began with four vessels. The Apollo and Pioneer headed towards the scarf rock requiring a tack or two to get to the opposite end of the loch. The Valhalla took a different slower line covering the shortest distance going directly from goal to goal. The speed of the Apollo and the Pioneer gave them the advantage. Returning to the finish in first place the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, 30mins 50sec. and Pioneer in second, 33mins. The Valhalla sailed by Adam Bremner and Jack Hamilton finished third in 37mins. The sapphire did not finish due to helm difficulties, broken vane gear.

The second race, first leg of the Alliance & Leceister started with five boats, two of our eldest members decided to join in. The wind had eased as the day progressed, most changing to their larger sails to gain some extra speed. All the vessels headed towards the scarf rock except for the Valhalla and Thor sailed by Robin Webster. This time though the advantage fell to these two slower yachts travelling the shorter distance. On the return they hugged the short shore to claim first and second position closely followed by the Apollo who pulled out. The Pioneer and SRII sailed by Jim Oag fell into 'the hole', the sailors having difficulty traversing the rocky shore line to return the boats to clear water. In first position was Valhalla with the fastest time of the day, 28mins 10sec. Second Thor, 33mins 10sec. Third Pioneer 38mins and in fourth SRII, 38mins 30sec

2009 a new season of Model Yacht races.

Each saturday afternoon for the next 16 weeks we conduct two races on Sarclet Loch. The free-sailing vessels are controlled by delicately trimming the sails for speed and direction. The fastest boat to cover the length of the loch there and back wins.

The first race, 1st leg of the W. Miller Memorial Cup was nothing but eventful with five yachts starting and only three managing the distance within the time allotted. The wind was strong with the crests of the waves breaking, instant signs of a rough sailing day, small sails required. It began well with the Sapphire, Astra and Apollo closely matched with the Blue Haze powering up the middle of the loch with the Valsheda trailing. Within five minutes of the race starting the Blue Haze sank, the others continued to the far end. On the return leg the Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay had the speed and direction to complete the race in 24mins to win. Second position went to the Valsheda sailed by Sandy and Adam Bremner who expertly tuned their boat to gain extra places, 28mins 30sec. And third went to Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam who hit an area we call 'the hole' struggled to round the point losing valuable time. The fourth vessel Astra made it home but unfortunately a mistake meant it was outwith the allotted time.

The second race, 1st leg of the Sarclet Cup had four competitors. The wind had eased somewhat requiring the middle suit of sails. The Sapphire suffered from technical difficulties and pulled out to prevent damage. The Jolly Roger sailed by Sandy and Adam also had difficulties. The finishers were the Apollo in first place 28mins 36sec followed by the Astra sailed by Michael Sutherland, 31mins 22sec. The first day of sailing was gruelling for most and a complete disaster for one member.