The last sailing day of the clubs short season was one of the most exciting of this year. The wind was light but favourable all of the boats were fitted with their largest sails. From the start line with balloon spinnakers fitted the model yachts headed just beyond the shed before changing direction to continue on up the loch. The wind bends around a hillock on the coast causing the change. At the far end the spinnakers are removed the sails adjusted to continue on the return sailing into the wind.

The first race began with the boats hugging the short shore with the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson in the lead. On the return their lead was maintained with the Argo gaining although as they passed the 'scarf' rock ( so called because at some stage this rock hosted scarfies, cormorants or shags, who would fish the loch) the wind picked up driving them towards the 'hole'. The Apollo went in deep, the Argo took advantage when it just brushed the edge to finish in first position. The following Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson and Valhalla also landed in the 'hole' with the Shangani sailed by Tony Wilson separating them as they scrambled across the finish line.

In first position Argo sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 24m second Apollo, 24m53s, Shangani, 29m51s, fourth, Firewood, 31m04s, fifth Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 31m01s

The second race for the prestigous 1903 cup began with a mass start the only race we have where all vessels begin at the same time. Usually fouls are common but not this time. The Jolly Roger pulled ahead slightly. As they all approached the half way point the Jolly Roger through a misjudgement backfilled. Luckily it did not travel far before it was corrected but its position was lost. The Apollo was the first to return followed by the recovered Jolly Roger. As the model yachts approached the finish line the tighter the fleet became so it would become any ones race.

In first position Jolly Roger sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 26m05s, second Shangani, 27m24s,third Firewood, 27m32s, fourth Argo, 28m50s, fifth Apollo 31m50s

In the evening the prize giving was hosted at the Old Smiddy Inn, Thrumster who very kindly donated trophies for our junior members.

The most successful model yachts from our 4ft & 5ft classes were the Apollo with 55points and Argo with 25points.

The fastest time of the year was 20m46s achieved by the Apollo.

The best overall junior was Lucia Sinclair with 23points

Mid sized sails were fitted to the model yachts on Saturday to cope with the strong breeze blowing almost directly up the loch. The boats set off into the oncoming wind but as they departed approaching the point, the weeds are now very noticeably slowing passage. Once clear of this area sailing proceeded as normal tacking twice to the far end. The Apollo had the advantage and was the first to fit a spinnaker on its starboard side for the return. The Firewood and Valhalla chose to fit there spinnakers on the port side. This choice proved successful as both hugged the short side whereas the Apollo headed into the 'hole' allowing both the Valhalla and Firewood to recoup some of the lost ground. The ensuing finish was very close with only 3 seconds separating the vessels. In first position we have Firewood sailed by Lewis Paterson, 23m06s. Followed very closely in second place the Apollo sailed by Ben McKinnon, 23m09s, and in third Valhalla sailed by Katie McKinnon, 24m16s.

The second race, as the yachts passed through the weeds were not sailing as high into the wind as before, this time only requiring a single tack. On the return with spinnakers fitted an increase in wind strength seemed to affect the Apollo more than the others which hugged the short shore as before. The Valhalla passed the Firewood as its spinnaker boom unhooked causing erratic sailing.

First to cross the finish line was the Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 24m32s. In second place was the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 24m59s and in third position Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 27m20s

On Saturday the weather wasn't very inviting with lower temperatures than previous weeks aswell as the forecasted strong winds. The surface of the loch also looked fairly rough with the occasional breaking wave with white horses. Walking down towards the loch it was obvious that the sail choice should be mid to small but as 2o'clock approached for the beginning of the first race the wind fell. The Apollo and Valsheda quickly swapped their rigs hoping this would prove advantageous. The wind was blowing almost directly up the loch so tacking from one side to the other was required. The Firewood and Apollo progressed well, ahead of the pioneer which was at this point undersailed for the conditions. The Valsheda was maintaining its position. At the half way mark the wind began to freshen over powering the Valsheda hampering its progress The Apollo first to reach the far end with a swift attachment of the spinnaker on its starboard side it headed on its way. The Firewood seeing the Apollo head towards the direction of the 'hole chose to fit the spinnaker on the port side. As the boats approached the shed the Firewood was gaining. The Apollo did land in the 'hole' allowing the Firewood to sail past.

In first position the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 32m13s. Second Apollo, 34m34s.

The second race started as the first with the Apollo and Firewood breaking away sailing head to head all the way to the far end. A quick attachment of the spinnakers as before and they set off on the return. This time the Firewoods main sail was slacker and both boats headed to the 'hole'. The Valsheda still oversailed and overpowered struggled on the return with its spinnaker fitted causing it to veer wildly creating plenty of work for its sailors. The Pioneer took advantage when a misjudgement backfilled the Valsheda sending it across the loch in the wrong direction. The Apollo fortunately missed the most treacherous area of the 'hole' and headed onwards to the finish line. The Firewood was not so lucky.

In first position Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 32m50s. second Firewood, 34m. third Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 39m20s and in fourth Valsheda sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 41m.

Two junior races were conducted on Saturday. When the sailors arrived at the lochside there was a strong beam wind which normally means a fast days racing but as two o'clock approached the direction changed to slow the sailing model yachts. From the startline the boats were fitted with spinnakers flat or balloon depending on personal preference. The Valsheda and Firewood led the way until about halfway when the fast moving Apollo passed both boats. The Firewood attempted to keep up but landed in the 'hole' which took several minutes to recover. The Valsheda took advantage and claimed the position.

The Apollo sailed by Lucia Sinclair won the first race with a convincing lead, 22m59s. Followed by the Valsheda sailed by Rorie Sinclair, 25m and in third position Firewood with Lewis Paterson, 26m42s.

The second race, the Apollo sailing well with a flat spinnaker again achieved a favourable lead. On the return sailing into to the wind the trailing Firewood managed to sail very high hugging the short shore. The Apollo clipped the edge of the 'hole' hampering progress allowing the Firewood to gain creating a close finish. The Valsheda during the excitement broke a fitting dislodging the jib. Had to come home for repair.

The winner Apollo & Lucia, 22m24s, closely followed by Firewood & Lewis, 22m43s.

The 24th Inter county challenge

An annual two day event hosted by the Wick Model Yacht Club on Sarclet Loch competing against the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club. Six trophies are raced for, over 8 races, sailing 4 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.

Each race consists of travelling from the start line at the north end of the loch to the goal at the far end (south) and then returning. The round trip for this journey approximates to 1.5 miles. Now these are not paved paths along the lochs shoreline. On the west side we have what is locally known as the 'short side', which has relatively firm ground. From the start line we begin with a gate which is kept closed to prevent this years lambs from wandering, one wooden bridge, two styles, a ditch and a burn to traverse. On the return following the east known as the 'long side' it is soft and slippy under foot with 3 styles and one ditch. In some respects this could be compared to a cross country run wearing waders. So the sailors taking part in this weekends event covered 12 arduous miles.

The Wick club sailing their 4ft class vessels (no steering gear)

• Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson
• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson
• Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir

compete against

The Kirkwall club, 10raters with vane gear.

• Hope sailed by Arthur Deerness & Bill Drever
• Highlander sailed by Ian Kirkness & Alan Walls

Bill Drever who is the only person to attend all 24 events reckons he will retire next year at the 25th event.

Saturday

A light breeze blowing from the south east. Coming from the sea, up the cliff face, over a hillock and across our loch, creating swap winds at an area on the long side called the scarf rock, which accounted for some of the frustrating racing endured.

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

All of the yachts were fitted with there largest sails. The Apollo and firewood took the lead only to fall off the pace as the breeze lessened. The Hope and Highlander sailed past onwards to the far end. On the return the Apollo and Aurora with spinnakers fitted followed the Highlander across the finish line.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

After a two hour delay waiting for the wind strength to increase the sun now appeared. The light winds favoured the vane controlled Orcadian 10raters. The swap winds affected the Wick vessels as they sailed into the oncoming wind requiring additional tacks losing ground on the leaders.

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The wind strength increased for the third race. The Firewood took the lead. On the return with spinnaker fitted the now oversailed boat drove to the east of the loch to an area called the 'hole' very rocky and difficult to escape from with the added bonus of weed being picked up by the keel. Several yachts took advantage of this, the Aurora sailing steadily straight down the middle of the loch crossed the finish line in first place.

Fourth race - 2nd leg of Quatercentenary Cup

The variable wind strengths separated the fleet in terms of sail size. Some with mid size sails and a couple maintained their large set. The Apollo, Firewood and Highlander lead the way down the loch only to be passed by the Hope which reached the far end. With a very quick turnaround it was first to return followed by Highlander. The Aurora, Firewood and Apollo with spinnakers fitted struggled to catch the fast Orcadian vessels. Wicks fortune changed as the wind drove the Orcadians into the 'hole' allowing the Wick competitors to catch up making for a very close finish. The Hope and Highlander maintained their positions to finish ahead of the Wick team. The Valhalla was removed from racing because the model yacht was taking on water. The rocky shore around the loch finally took its toll. The continual pounding these boats endure caused several cracks to appear in the fibreglass hull around the keel.

Thrumster Estate Cup races 1 & 3

1. Aurora 10 points
2. Apollo 9
3. Hope 8
4. Highlander 6
5. Valhalla 4
6. Firewood 3

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Hope 12 points
2. Highlander 10
3. Apollo 8
4. Firewood 6
5. Aurora 2
6. Valhalla 2

Sunday

The wind from the same ert as Saturday was stronger the yachts were split between mid and small sails as racing began. The weather was poor, drizzle ensured all sailors were soaked.

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

The Firewood gained a lead down the loch to be the first to return with spinnaker fitted. A flaw when sailing by yourself is that you cannot be on both sides of the loch at the same time so the yacht sat there until another sailor corrected the boat and set it on its way. By this time the Hope and Apollo caught up and sailed past.

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The Apollo now fitted with with an increased sail size (mid size). Sailed very high to the wind covering the shortest distance obtained a very favourable lead.

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

The Firewood with the mast moved back allowed it to sail very close into the wind, was first to the far end. The struggling Highlander and Aurora fouled at the far end. The spinnaker of the Aurora caught the vane gear of the Highlander causing them to pirouette several times. Separation happened when the vane gear fell into the murky depths of Sarclet loch. As the fleet returned the Hope and Apollo were rapidly moving towards the finish line passing the Firewood. They finished with only 4seconds separating them.

The Hope achieved the fastest time of the weekend of 20m58s.

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The Firewood with the mast moved back again allowed it to sail even closer to the eye of the wind, it was the only yacht to sail from the start line to the goal at the far end. The others had to tack falling back. The Hope and Apollo again were sailing head to head on the return. The vane gear helped the Hope to maintain a straighter line during the gusts with bursts of speed. The Apollo with flat spinnaker fitted although catching at the early stages could not pass the Hope.

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Hope 11 (46m37s) winner shortest combined time
2. Apollo 11 (50m23s)
3. Firewood 8
4. Highlander 5
5. Valhalla 5

SMYA Northern Trophy 2 & 4

1. Apollo 11 points
2. Hope 10
3. Firewood 8
4. Highlander 5
5. Valhalla 5

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Hope 41 points
2. Apollo 39
3. Highlander 28
4. Aurora 23
5. Firewood 17
6. Valhalla 6

Bill Drever Cup - best Orcadian vessel

1. Hope 41 points
2. Highlander 28

On Saturday the sailors of the Wick Model Yacht Club were treated to a beautiful sunny day. A slightly off beam breeze encouraged variations in the setup of the yachts, all had fitted there largest sails. The difference was the method chosen by each of the sailors to prevent the yachts from pointing into the wind and heading the wrong direction. The options were balloon, or the more popular flat spinnakers or move the mast forward.

As the race began there was no clear advantage to any of the adopted methods, the Apollo (flat), Firewood (mast), Astra and Valhalla(flat) were separated by a few boat lengths. The Shangani(balloon) and Spindrift(flat) followed at the rear.

As the four leading boats reached the goal at the far end the tension increased. For the boats to return spinnakers had to swap sides. The Firewood and Astra had an advantage at this point with no spinnakers they were quickly turned around.

As the vessels returned the field began to open up, the faster moving Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson managed to gain a small lead over the Firewood. The backstay of the Astra was loose causing the rigging to flutter in the wind and it lost ground over the leaders.

The winner of the first race was the Apollo, 23m43s. 2nd Firewood, 24m25s. 3rd Astra sailed by Michael Sutherland, 28m04s briefly ahead of the Valhalla, 28m08s. 5th Shangani sailed by Tony Wilson, 28m42s. and in 6th Spindrift, 32m04s.

The second race was closely contested between the Apollo and Firewood they were neck and neck heading to the far end. On the return the Firewood had an advantage with no time wasted swapping a spinnaker over to acheive a small lead, which it subsequently slowly lost as the faster sailing Apollo closed the gap as they approached the shed. A couple of minor adjustments to both vessels were performed to get the boats over the finish line.

In first position the Firewood sailed by Kevin & Lewis Paterson, 23m28s, closely followed by Apollo, 23m48s, 3rd Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 25m48s. 4th Spindrift sailed by John Moar, 29m51s and in 5th Shangani, 31m55s.

A light breeze on Saturday afternoon ensured all of the model yachts were fitted with there largest sails. Racing began with favourable weather. From the start the Valhalla led the way extending a good consistent lead into the wind over the following vessels. Its lead was maintained on the return with spinnaker fitted. The Firewood was falling back being off the pace.

The first race won by the Valhalla, sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 21m39s, 2nd Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 24m04s, 3rd Jolly Roger sailed by Allan & Fraser Tait 26m06s, 4th Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson 26m23s.

the first of our junior races with a slight increase in wind speed and drizzle made sure all other the competitors went home wet. The 3 boats taking part were sailing well. The Valhalla now in different hands did not achieve the same speed and direction and lost out to the Apollo just at the finish line. The Firewood still struggling followed the leaders home.

In first position the Apollo sailed by a brother & sister team, Lucia & Rory Sinclair, 25m54s, 2nd Valhalla sailed by Adam Bremner & Fraser Tait, 25m44s and in 3rd position Firewood sailed by Lewis & Katie Paterson, 26m49s.

Mid-sized sails were selected for the days racing. The wind was blowing almost directly up the loch, the boats were sailed into the oncoming wind tacking to and fro down the loch to the far end, then with spinnakers fitted they could return.

The race was evenly matched on the outbound leg the Aurora, Apollo and Valhalla having to tack twice, the Firewood sailing slower but closer to the eye of the wind required only one tack. All entered the goal at the far end about the same time. With the spinnakers fitted the consistent sailing Apollo was untouchable none of the other vessels could match its pace.

For the first race of the day the winning position goes to Apollo, 25m 11s. 2nd Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson 27m36s. 3rd Aurora 30m30s. 4th Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir 31m30s.

The second race was closely matched again as the yachts sailed into the wind. The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson managed to improve its pace compared to the first race. Leaving a hotly contested second position between the Aurora and Firewood as they returned towards the finish line. Second place changed hands several times but as they passed the shed the Aurora gained a lead.

1st position Apollo, 20m46s. 2nd Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 23m15s, 3rd Firewood 23m58s.

Saturday morning began foggy, which would have made the afternoons sailing very interesting, but the sun shone through and we had a very pleasant but frustrating days sailing.

Racing started with all of the model yachts adopting there largest sails. Some of the 5ft class vessels requiring a step ladder for set-up to reach the top of the sails.

Seven boats began the first race. The light winds proved troublesome for the larger boats and they fell off the pace. The Aurora and Firewood pulled away from the following fleet upwind. On the return with a rapid attachment of the spinnaker the Aurora, sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller & Katie McKinnon obtained a small lead. The Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, sailed steadily but the deficit could not be overcome.

First to cross the finish line the Aurora in a time of 30m16s, closely followed in 2nd place Firewood, 30m34s, 3rd Apollo 35m39s, 4th Valhalla 37m43s.

The second race started well, s the model yachts approached the scarf rock the wind eased which caused frustration. The zigzagging boats could not gain much head way. The Aurora sailed back and forth six times before giving up. The Firewood sailed backwards towards the start line. The Valhalla, sailed by Adam Bremner & Fraser Tait and Shangani sailed by Alan Tait also gave up not being able to enter the goal at the far end of the loch. Only two of the yachts made it, first the Apollo then the Jolly Roger sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir. With spinnakers fitted creating a larger area to catch the wind the vessels returned relatively easily.

For days like this we have a limit on the race duration of one hour.

Fortunately the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson being first across the line achieved the distance in 59m10s. Unfortunately the Jolly Roger didn't complete the circuit in the allotted time and was disqualified.

A strong breeze was blowing on Saturday. From the start line the model yachts headed into the wind zigzagging there way up the loch. The fleet were closely matched with the Firewood and Apollo gaining a small advantageous lead. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson pulled away. The Firewood suffered from a backfill as it approached the shed which drove it across to the 'hole'. The following Argo sailed by Archie Miller took advantage with a very fast spinnaker run.

Results for the first race of the day were, 1st Apollo, 25m45s, 2nd Argo 27m25s, 3rd Firewood 28m12s, 4th Shangani sailed by Tony Wilson & John Moar, 34m08s, 5th Valhalla sailed by Raymond & Craig Muir, 34m52s, 6th Astra, 37m06s.

During the interval a drop in wind strength sent the sailors scrabbling around changing sails to a larger size to compensate.

The second race of the afternoon began with a calmer breeze and sunshine. Oddly, despite peoples efforts the race was almost a repeat of the first, with the Apollo and Firewood stretching a lead as they headed into the oncoming wind. On the return the Firewood and Apollo were neck and neck. At the shed the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & Peter Sinclair backfilled again allowing the Argo to pass. The Astra and Valhalla was were the action was at for a closely contested position.

First across the line Apollo, 27m18s, 2nd Argo 31m36s, 3th Firewood 32m03s, 4th Shangani 33m18s, 5th Astra sailed by Michael Sutherland, 34m07s, 6th Valhalla, 34m52s.

Racing began at Sarclet Loch with the model yachts split between the choice of middle or small sized sails. The Aurora and Pioneer were fitted with their mid size and the others with small. When the whistle blew it was obvious the two boats had an advantage stretching a good lead. The Firewood and Astra struggled with the variable winds and pulled out. The sailors of the Valhalla and Apollo trudged on.

On the return with spinnakers Aurora couldn't match the pace of the Pioneer sailed by John Moar & Peter Sinclair, which sailed directly from end to end requiring no adjustment.

In first place for the 1st race Pioneer, 25m24s. Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 28m04s. 3rd Apollo, 31m23. 4th Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner, 39m14s.

The interval provided a choice for the sailors but the wind for some didn't seem to drop, it appeared to increase in speed slightly. The Apollo was the only boat to gamble and increase its sail size. The Pioneer was removed from entering the second race after it was noticed that the lead bulb on its keel, after years of punishment hitting the rocky shore, would fall off and would require major repair.

The second race saw the Aurora and Apollo stretch a substantial lead ahead of the Valhalla and Firewood which kept their small sails. The return leg with spinnakers again saw the aurora lose out to a slightly faster vessel.

First to cross the finish line Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Peter Sinclair, 24m37s. 2nd Aurora 26m43s. 3rd Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & John Moar, 32m23s. 4th Valhalla, sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond & Craig Muir, 33m54s

Strong winds were forecast, the model yachts were fitted with small sails to maintain stability. Racing began in the choppy waters. The model yachts were set to sail into the oncoming wind zigzagging there way to the far end of the loch whereupon spinnakers were fitted so the vessels may return.

The Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson led the field to the far end of the loch closely followed by the Apollo. At the half way point the fleet began to spread out. With the spinnaker fitted the Apollo extended a lead sailing very quickly to the finish.

With a comfortable advantage the first race was won by the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 26m53s. second Firewood, 31m16s closely followed by Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 31m40s. Fourth Pioneer, 32m45s. Fifth Valhalla, 34m25s. Sixth Astra, 35m55s, sailed by Michael Sutherland.

The second race began with the Apollo leading the fleet. Some of the yachts were now suffering from being oversailed as the wind speed had increased this was most evident on the return trip. The Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson thrived rapidly gaining on the leaders. Unfortunately it, the Aurora and Firewood were pushed to the 'hole'

With an even faster time first Apollo, 23m57s. Second Aurora, 28m14s. Third Firewood, 28m28s. Fourth Pioneer, 29m025s. Fifth Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond & Craig Muir, 34m30s

Saturday began with almost no wind. Some ice on the shoreline had to be broken as the boats were launched. As 2o'clock approached the wind speed increased, conditions becoming remarkably reminiscent to the previous saturday. The racing began well with the Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay taking the lead. The Firewood fell off the wind heading to the shed. The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson and Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson headed to the rocky area before the 'scarf rock'. In the lee of the hill there speed was hampered allowing the Sapphire and Firewood to gain a favourable lead. On the return it was neck and neck but a misadjustment sent the firewood to the opposite shore losing ground and places.

The result for the first race was

1st Sapphire, 28m40s, 2nd Apollo 34m30s, 3rd Pioneer 34m51s, 4th Firewood 37m27s and 5th Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 42m23s

The second race had an eventful beginning with the Sapphire and Firewood fouling at the startline. The yachts became spread out, but on the return each vessels position was lessened creating a very close finish between all competitors

1st Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson 27m, 2nd Apollo 27m28s, 3rd Aurora 28m, 4th Pioneer 28m31s.

The sky was overcast and the wind had increased from early morning, mid-size sails were needed. From the start line the vessels were fitted with spinnakers to assist their downwind leg. The Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay was the pace setter using the vane gear to good effect, steering the yacht keeping it on course whilst the others had varying success. The ert of wind caused problems for some, the Firewood and Jolly Roger began by falling off the wind returning to the start line, the boats then bounced their way up the shore. The return was more evenly matched as they headed into the wind.

The first race of the day for the Wm. More Cup went to Sapphire, 24m03s. Second Argo sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 27m28s closely followed by Valhalla, 27m54s and Firewood sailed by Kevin & Lewis Paterson, 28m31s. Fifth Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson & John Moar, 29m43s. Sixth Apollo, 32m03s and finally Jolly Roger sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir, 33m55s.

The next race 1st leg of the Shetland Tankard closely contested between the Sapphire and the Valhalla almost requiring a photo finish. The prize went to the Sapphire, 24m28s. Second Valhalla sailed by Alan Tait, 24m50s. Third Firewood, 27m37s. Fourth Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 29m31s. Fifth Jolly Roger, 30m.Sixth Argo, 33m33s. Seventh Pioneer, 35m32s

The weather was beautiful on saturday a fantastic start to our 85th season, long may it continue. We began sailing our 4ft class yachts with mid sized sails fitted. From the start line the boats had spinnakers flying, the fleet was split in direction with some hugging the short shore and others heading off towards the stronger wind on the long side. No advantage was gained by this tactic within minutes at the far end all were stripped of their spinnakers and adjusted to return to the finish line.

The Valhalla sailed by Sandy Bremner & Raymond Muir was first to set off on the return leg closely following the short shore. The Aurora and Firewood didn't sail as close to the eye of the wind, travelling faster. Although requiring an extra tack their speed allowed them to pass the Valhalla.

Sailing for the Club Cup first position went to Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 28m01s followed by the Firewood 29m37s, Valhalla 31m49s and Apollo 32m18s

The second race of the day 1st leg of the Alliance & Leicester Shield

The Sapphire sailed by Barry Scollay set off at a good pace leaving the others behind, unfortunately it suffered the same fate as the Valhalla. The Aurora followed by the Firewood gained the lead. As they approached the finish line the wind eased slightly causing the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson to drift into 'the hole'.

The Aurora continued its winning streak finishing first, 22min followed by the Sapphire, 24m26s. Third Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam, 25m18s, fourth Bee sailed by Lewis Paterson & Ben McKinnon, 27m50s, Firewood 28m21s and in sixth the Valhalla 29m50s