The finale of the Wick Model Yacht Clubs season. As the warming weather encourages growth in your garden it also encourages the growth of weeds in the loch, which unfortunately for us prevents us from sailing in the summer months, the keels catch the floating stems seriously impeding progress.

We began the first race with spinnakers fitted, the Firewood took to the right heading to the shed, the Apollo and Argo to the left aiming for the chicken rock. Each avoiding the thick patch of weed at the goal mouth. Once traversed normal racing continued. The Apollo and Firewood were neck and neck to the far end with the Firewood gaining a marginal lead before removing the spinnaker and turning round. The Argo had been gaining but once it hit the short shore at the burn its progress was stunted. On the return the Firewood was trimmed too tightly and once released it was obvious it was sailing slowly compared to the Apollo but it was sailing closer to the eye of the wind which means less tacks. Approaching the hole and the Firewood made its first tack, the Apollo was on its second but surprisingly they were still very close. As they crossed the loch towards the short shore the Apollo gave way the Firewood.

In 1st position Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & Louise Sinclair, 28m07s, 2nd Apollo, 28m51, 3rd Argo 33m52s.

The second race a mass start, no handicap is applied to any boat regardless of size. We began with a split the Apollo and Firewood , 4ft boats, to the short side and the Argo, 5ft, to the long side avoiding the clump of weed. It was a close spinnaker run with the Firewood marginally ahead, a minor shift of the wind at the burn and the spinnaker of the Firewood was swapped to the other side allowing it to pull off the shore. The Apollo and Argo persevered bumping up the short side. At the return goal the spinnakers were quickly removed sails adjusted and released. The Firewood and Apollo traded places this time Apollo sailing high and slow, Firewood faster. As we approached the chicken rock the wind direction was strange both boats on opposite tacks were sailing almost directly up the loch, normally there is a losing tack. But a few moments later the wind sorted itself out and we were all neck and neck. The Firewood on the gaining tack with a small lead landed deep in the hole and traversing the slidy rocks underfoot made tacking difficult. The Apollo and Argo closed the gap, the Apollo requiring a tack across the mouth of the goal allowed the Argo to catch and compete for the win. A frantic few moments getting the boats across the finish line gave us an unexpected sense of anticipation for the last few moments of the seasons racing.

In 1st place Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 33m01, followed closely by the Argo, sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 33m12s, then finally the Firewood, 33m52s.

A prize giving was held in the evening to present the trophies to the participating winners.

• The best overall 4ft model yacht with 73 points, Apollo.
• The best overall 5ft model yacht with 27 points, Argo.
• The fastest recorded time, Firewood, 21m54s.
• The Juniors each shared trophies, Ben McKinnon, Lewis Paterson, Inga & Rory Sinclair

A bright sunny day with a light breeze blowing. Everyone fitted their boats with large sails to capture what wind was available. We raced a mixture of 4ft and 5ft classes of model yacht. The larger boats have a one minute thirty handicap. Being larger they sail quicker, the handicap evens the field.

The first race began with the Apollo and Firewood as they left the start line they briefly halted, their speed was impaired until they hit shore when the weeds could be cleared from their keels. One minute thirty seconds later the Argo and Shangani were released. The Argo was sailing high but required a tack across the loch at the burn. The Shangani had some technical difficulties and struggled to get passed the half way point. On the return the Apollo with a small margin was leading the Firewood. A gap that was maintained all the way to the finish line.

1st Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam, 29m40s, 2nd Firewood, 29m56s, 3rd Argo, sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 34m20s and 4th Shangani, 37m11s

The second race with a wind shift to more of a beam direction. Again the Apollo, heading to the chicken rock, and Firewood, to the shed, began. Clear of the weeds their progress was improved. The Argo got to the area around the chicken rock where it hit the doldrums and drifted slowly to the opposite shore. The Shangani sailing much better reach the far end at exactly the same moment as the Firewood, the 1.5minute advantage the smaller yachts had was gone. With a quickly fitted spinnaker the Firewood set off on the return leg ahead of the now chasing Shangani. Both vessels were continually pushed onto the short shore because of their large balloon spinnakers. The Shangani persevered to round the point, but the Firewood removed the spinnaker to continue. This action almost backfired as it headed to the dreaded hole, in addition to it being rocky the approaching summer is encouraging the growth of weed. The Firewood finished just a boat length or two ahead of the Shangani. The Apollo fitted with a flat spinnaker, more suited to the conditions, also landed in the hole. In the same spot as the Firewood an adjustment to the main sail and it crossed the finish line ahead of the Argo.

1st Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 31m53s, 2nd Shangani, sailed by Tony Wilson, 31m58s, 3rd Apollo, 35m58s and 4th Argo, 38m26s

Racing began on this sunny day with three model yachts each fitted with their largest sails. Capturing the off-beam light winds the boats set off with slackened mainsails to hold direction to the far end. The Apollo and Firewood sailing neck and neck collided before reaching the shed. Once recovered they were set on their way. The Pioneer with a single adjustment used for the sails, compared to the normal independent control, sailed back and forth from the hole to the shed making no head way. The Apollo and Firewood continued unimpaired to the far end, flat spinnaker fitted to the Apollo and small balloon to the Firewood. On the return this made all the difference a two minute gap was achieved. The Pioneer was removed after several failed attempts.

A radio control model yacht, 1metre class, also took part in this race sailed by Andrew Paterson. It clearly was much quicker than our freesailing vessels due to the ability to directly control the sails and rudder, trimming and tweaking continually as you go.

1st Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 30m36s, 2nd Firewood, 32m28s

Second race this time all three model yachts set off successfully. The problem with the Pioneer was resolved, the mast was twisted like a snake. The racing was closely contested between the Apollo and Firewood sailing head to head into the wind, The Pioneer not sailing quite as well fell behind. On the spinnaker run a small gap was all that separated the leaders and an improved Pioneer began to catchup.

1st Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 30m12s, 2nd Apollo, 30m30s, 3rd Pioneer, sailed by Peter & Louise Sinclair, 32m30s

A blustery day with each boat fitted with their smallest sails. We began from the start line with a spinnaker fitted then return tacking. The strong wind was forcing the boats on to the short shore creating a lot of work for the sailors, adjusting and releasing. The return was much easier only requiring several tacks.

The completion of the first race, first Aurora sailed by Archie Miller, 31m08s. Closely followed 7seconds later was the Firewood and in third place, Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 34m07s.

The second race started with two boats as the Pioneer retired to rest for another day. The Aurora and Firewood tussled for the lead as they left the start line. The Aurora headed to the long side and the Firewood the short. On the return the Firewood was no more than a boat length ahead. Both vessels sailed almost identical paths to the finish with the same margin between them.

In first place Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & Louise Sinclair, 29m36s, second Aurora, 30m16s.

3 boats racing in light winds with large sails fitted. We began the first race the Apollo and Firewood colliding within the first 20ft from the start line they pirouetted and separated cleanly to continue on there way, inconvenient but OK. That is until they almost reached the small pier this time the collision wasn't so helpful and they spun and the wind pushed them back to the startline to be recovered by the sailors. By this time the Argo was well on its way. Once separated they were released to continue, sailing neck and neck occasionally crossing paths. Once again they made contact. This time we were fortunate one boat pushing to the long shore the opposing vessel pushing towards the short side having a averaging effect and they sailed reletively straight to the goal at the far end. Spinnakers quickly removed yachts turned around for the tacking return to the finish line. An uneventful race for the Argo but a deserving win.

In first position Argo sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 24m54s. Twelve minutes later in second place Firewood, 36m50s and in third Apollo, 37m40s.

The second race was much more dispersed and the model yachts sailed there own path with no collisions. On the return the Argo and Apollo were sailing quickly tacking to and fro. The Firewood close to the eye of the wind looked to be falling behind, but as the yachts approached the shed the Argo and Apollo required a third losing tack allowing to close the gap. At the finish line we hae never had three boats cross the goal line in such close proximity. In fact the second and third positions were only identified by a photo finish.

In first place Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & Louise Sinclair, 23m32s. In second Argo, 23m33s and in third, Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam, 23m34s.

The Wick Model Yacht Club hosted the InterCounty Challenge comprising of 8 races over 2 days competing against the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club, this annual event is very dependant on the weather this year I think it would be fair to call the event gruelling. Rain during the week made the pathway around the loch wet, muddy and slippy, difficult terrain. The weather on Saturday was rough, high winds and rain at times. Sunday brought a better more pleasant day, dry with brief interludes of sunshine.

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

• Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson
• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Pioneer sailed by Michael Sutherland & Louise Sinclair (2 races)
• Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson & Louise Sinclair

The Kirkwall club, 10rater class with vane gear, (autonomous steering).

• Highlander sailed by Ian Kirkness & Alan Walls & Bill Drever

Saturday the 4th, a blustery day requiring mid to small sized sails.

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The Apollo sailing into the wind led the fleet, closely followed by the Firewood. The wind picked up in strength forcing unusual occurrences, the Highlanders main sail would slacken causing it to lag behind. The Pioneers main sail unhooked several times eventually when recovered it was removed from racing, the oversailed Aurora persevered to the finish. On the return with spinnakers fitted, the Apollo only touched the shore twice finishing quickly. The Firewood and Aurora were struggling to sail a straight course and bounced along the short shore, the boat would sail upright when released, once a gust hit it would nose dive swing the stern around then drive back to the shore. The Highlander (with no spinnaker) sailed upright, the vane gear steers the boat to maintain a relatively straight path, but the deficit created by the slackened sail was to great.

1st Apollo 26m41s, 2nd Firewood 33m15s, 3rd Aurora 42m29s, 4th Highlander 46m42s Pioneer DNF.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

The Pioneer leading with the Firewood and Highlander chasing tacked their way up the loch. The Aurora and Apollo were falling behind not sailing as high into the oncoming wind as the leaders. The Firewood with a quickly fitted spinnaker was the first to return gaining the lead from the Pioneer. The Pioneer followed the short short and the Firewood went to the long side before returning. While the Pioneer and Firewood were vying for the lead the Highlander with its vane gear skipped along the tops of the waves easily passing the leading boats as though they were standing still. The Firewood hit the hole but bounced back crossing the finish line with the Pioneer close behind. The Aurora and Apollo landed deep in the hole which proved difficult to get out of.

1st Highlander, 24m54s, 2nd Firewood, 27m11s, 3rd Pioneer, 29m59s, 4th Apollo, 33m18s, 5th Aurora, 33m29s

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

Moments after the whistle was blown initiating the race the Highlander, Aurora and Apollo collided allowing the Firewood to sail away. The Firewood maintaining the lead was the first to return. The gusting wind caused it to bounce along the shore, time consuming. As the first race the Apollo with its sails reduced was in its element sailing quickly under spinnaker with the Highlander chasing both caught and passed the Firewood.

1st Apollo, 27m37s, 2nd Highlander, 28m53s, 3rd Firewood, 30m40s, 4th Aurora 33m39s.

Fourth race - 2nd leg of Quatercentenary Cup

The Apollo began by extending a lead with the Aurora and Highlander in hot pursuit. The Firewood with its smallest sails fell behind not sailing as high. On the return with the increased wind, the Apollo was uncatchable. The Highlander sailing faster than its sailors landed in the hole to remain there until a someone arrived to recover the boat sending it across the loch. In the mean time the trailing Firewood passed the Aurora which was over driven by the wind causing it to nose dive continually return to shore for adjustment. The Firewood headed towards the hole where it hit a rock turned and went straight across the finish line. The rough weather damaged the Orcadians vane gear together with a disconnected jib flapped its way back across to the opposite shore eventually being removed from the race. The Aurora was also removed in fear of unnecessary damage.

1st Apollo, 24m14s, 2nd Firewood, 26m58s

Saturday concluded as follows:

Thrumster Estate Cup races 1 & 3

1. Apollo 12 points
2. Firewood 9
3. Highlander 8
4. Aurora 7

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Firewood 10 points
2. Apollo 9
3. Highlander 6
4. Pioneer 4
5. Aurora 2

Sunday 5th, a day of variable wind speed

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

The Apollo ahead moving swiftly but not sailing as high as the Highlander. The overpowered Firewood, pinching, was falling behind. On the return the Highlander was ahead of the Apollo and landed at the point. Under spinnaker the erratically sailing Apollo was wandering from side to side, even though, luck was on its side catching and passing the Highlander. The Aurora bounced along the short side with the Firewood trailing on the long shore before blowing across the finish line.

1st Apollo, 25m45s, 2nd Highlander, 26m27s, 3rd Aurora, 28m56s, 4th Firewood, 30m15s

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The Firewood with smaller sails started fast but not high, the Apollo was high and quick, The Highlander was pinching due to the jib flapping and the Aurora was oversailed for the now windier conditions. The Firewood first to return but fell away towards long shore, normally a time consuming path. The Highlander gaining prime position led the Apollo passing the shed. The Firewood turned when it hit the rocky shore and sailed straight into the goal ahead of the Highlander which headed to hole. The Aurora struggled to get off shore short.

1st Firewood, 24m17s, 2nd Apollo, 25m44s, 3rd Highlander, 27m53s, 4th Aurora, 31m52s

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

A minor shift in wind direction gave advantage to the well positioned Highlander which sailed very high achieving a huge lead. The Apollo following with the Aurora lagging and the Firewood suffering the lack of sail with the lighter wind was trailing. On the return the Highlander at the burn backfilled losing its earned safety margin, sailing back and forth across the loch with slackened sails. The time lost allowed the Apollo and the now steadier Aurora to pass.

1st Apollo, 32m00s, 2nd Aurora, 33m56s, 3rd Highlander, 39m20s, 4th Firewood, 51m10s

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The final race of the weekend and the Highlander got everything right, leading from the start, the chasing fleet falling behind. On the return the improving Aurora was keeping pace but the Highlander achieved the cleanest run of the weekend sailing from end to end. The Apollo overpowered by the wind persevered to the finsh.

1st Highlander, 25m06s, 2nd Aurora, 28m20s, 3rd Firewood, 31m10s, 4th Apollo, 33m15s

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Apollo 12 points
2. Aurora 9 (62m12s)
3. Highlander 9 (65m47s)
4. Firewood 6

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. Highlander 10 (52m59s)
2. Firewood 10 (55m27s)
3. Apollo 8 (55m59s)
4. Aurora 8 (60m12s)

The overall winner of the weekend was the Apollo

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Apollo 41 points
2. Firewood 35
3. Highlander 33
4. Aurora 26
5. Pioneer 4

Bill Drever Cup - best Orcadian vessel

1. Highlander 33

A light wind was blowing from the south end of the loch up towards the startline. All the model yachts were fitted with there largest sails. The boats started on the starboard tack heading towards the shed then swapping tack they headed to the long shore before returning and repeating once more. The Firewood was ahead and with spinnaker fitted was the first to return. The Apollo pursuing but the Pioneer seemed to struggle in the light winds sailing slowly to the finish.

In first position the Firewood, sailed by Kevin & Lewis Paterson, 38m30s. Second Apollo, 45m20s, and in third position Pioneer, 50m25s.

The second race. Sailing away from the startline the Firewood and Pioneer began by swapping prime position as they made there way down the loch, past the half way mark and the Pioneer sailing quicker stretched a small advantage. The Apollo was falling behind not sailing as high into the wind as the others. On the return with spinnakers fitted the wind picked up. The Pioneer on the short side and the chasing Firewood on the long side, as it approached the chicken rock the spinnaker boom failed causing the spinnaker to fold. A quick lochside fix was required but the boat never sailed correctly and headed straight across the loch rather than follow the Pioneer. The increased wind revitalised the Apollo pushing it catch and pass the lumbering vessel. The Pioneer continued quickly to the finish line.

In first position the Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 29m07s. Second Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 31m26s, Third Firewood, 32m30s

A very good day for sailing with a steady breeze flowing. The majority of the model yachts were fitted with medium sized sails, apart from the Pioneer which selected its smallest set. The Apollo, Firewood and Aurora pulled away from the undersailed Pioneer swapping the lead as the yachts tacked to and fro across the loch to the goal at the far end. On the return the Apollo sailed steadily held its position. The Firewood with a large spinnaker was overpowered sailed erratically lost positions. The Aurora passed the Firewood on its way to the finish. The Pioneer which was quite far behind before it began its return sailed very quickly closing the huge gap to the leading boats.

In first position Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam, 28m36s, second Aurora, 33m10s, third Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 35m04s, fourth Firewood, 39m19s.

The second race, a refitted Pioneer with medium sized sails was being tuned prior to race start, but the kicking strap gave way requiring repair something that could not be performed at the lochside.

The others began, sailing head to head again but once passed the shed the Aurora not sailing as high into the wind began to fall behind as it required several extra tacks across the loch to get to the return goal. The Firewood and Apollo couldn't be separated even after sailing three quarters of the loch the vessels were so close they touched. The Firewood was first on the return leg with a manageable lead with the Apollo on hot pursuit. Both boats were evenly matched. On the long shore past the chicken rock both of the yachts struck the rocky shoreline then headed towards the short shore. The Apollo chasing hard eventually caught and passed the now slower sailing Firewood which had picked up weed when it hit the long shore. The Aurora trailing struggled with the stronger wind.

In first position Apollo, 27m00s, second Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 28m14s, third Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 42m00s

A cracking day for sailing with a good steady breeze. Three model yachts began sailing into the wind, passing the point they all headed towards the shed. A quick adjustment and with the bend of the wind half way up the loch the boats pulled off the short shore heading towards the long side. The Aurora sailed by Fiona Miller showed odd behaviour heading on the wrong tack in the wrong direction back to the start. For a brief moment Fiona was nowhere to be seen. Then a figure rose from the murky depths not quite a mermaid but a shivering sodden sailor appeared. The racing continued, Apollo leading the Firewood with the recovered Aurora trailing. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson were extending their lead. The Firewood fitted with top sized sails was now over sailed and overpowered sailing erratically.

The winner of the first race the Apollo, 23m46s. Second Firewood, 26m27s, Third Aurora, 30m13s.

The second race started with two boats the Firewood and Apollo. The Firewood was refitted with mid sized sails to cope with the higher wind speed. Both yachts began strongly, the Apollo followed the same path as before towards the shed but had some trouble getting off the short shore. The Firewood sailed in the middle of the loch from end to end not requiring any attention had stretched a lead. With spinnakers attached both vessels managed to complete the last section of the race at the same speed.

In first position the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 21m54s. Second Apollo, 24m32s.

A slightly overcast day with a northerly biting wind blowing directly down the loch. From the startline we all began with spinnakers and our top sized sails fitted. Once the whistle was blown the model yachts set off passing the area we call ‘the point’ the wind pushed the boats towards the old pier. Adjustments were made, the Apollo followed by the Aurora headed across the loch towards the chicken rock into the stronger wind. The Firewood and Pioneer hugged the short shore. At the far end the spinnakers were removed . The Firewood and the Aurora were first to return. The Apollo sailing very high into the wind was moving slower than the others but with less tacks its path was shorter. The Aurora although sailing quickly was not sailing quite as high had to tack several times covering a lot of extra water. As the finish line approached the Firewood was leading with the Apollo following. The Firewood landed deep in the hole whilst the Apollo caught the edge. Tacking for the last time the Apollo nipped into the lead and crossed the finish line in first position. The Pioneer being sailed for the first time this year trailed with a slackened kicker which slowed its progress.

1st race - Apollo 27m05s sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, Firewood 27m26s, Aurora 28m09s, Pioneer 31m41s sailed by Tony Wilson

As before we began with a mass start, passing ‘the point’ the Firewood collided with the Apollo luckily no mishaps occurred and they separated cleanly. The boats were adjusted at the shed and all apart from the Pioneer began to sail towards the windier chicken rock whereupon with the extra wind speed pushed the boats back towards the short shore. On the approach to the goal at the far end beyond the burn, gusts and swap winds started. A second collision also occurred between the Firewood and Apollo causing both to backfill. The swap winds were unusual causing the boats to backfill then correct themselves several times before the spinnakers could be removed for the returned leg. The Apollo was leading with the Aurora and Firewood following. The faster sailing Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller was closing the gap to the Apollo. The excitement began to build near the finish as the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson caught the edge of the hole requiring a short tack, the Auroras tack placed it back between the point and the old pier. The Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson sailing on a different line had the advantage and almost gained the lead from both vessels but a short tack was needed to finish. Allowing the Apollo to secure first place.

2nd race - Apollo 29m26s, Firewood 30m31s, Aurora 31m12s, Pioneer 32m19s

A beautiful sunny day, warming in the sun and bracing in the shade, with a light breeze. With top sails fitted we set off tacking to and fro across the loch The three boats in close contention made it to the return goal with no hassles. On the return it was the sailors choice as to which side to fit the spinnaker, port or starboard. The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson began to stretch a commanding lead ahead of the Aurora. The Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson was trailing after landing in the hole. The kids were roaming the edges of the loch like naturalists searching for frogs and frogs spawn.

1st race - Apollo 35m50s, Aurora 37m01s, Firewood 41m11s

The second race was similar to the first race but the roles were reversed between the two leading boats. The Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller with better tuning dominated, winning almost 3minutes ahead of the Apollo.

2nd race - Aurora 34m52s, Apollo 37m33s, Firewood 38m36s

Top sails were used as the wind was fairly light at the start of the day. Spinnakers fitted from the start line with the yachts following the short side then tacking to and fro across the loch on the return leg.

1st race

The Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson led the way for three quarters of the race requiring an extra tack just in front of the finish line. The Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller took advantage pipping the Apollo at the finish line in a time of 29m58s. The Apollo followed only seven seconds later, 30m05s. The Firewood was a non-finisher.

2nd race

The rain began lightly at first gradually getting heavier as the race progressed. The Apollo led the way again but this time there was no extra tack completed the race in a time of 27m08s. The Aurora landed in the hole losing a significant amount of time, 33m49s and trailing in third position was the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 45m50.

A radio controlled 1M was also entered into the race sailed by Ben McKinnon but was removed as the increased force of the wind hampered its ability to turn on the return leg.

The Wick Model Yacht Club is having a slow start to its new season, but the Apollo is flying with 3 wins from 4 races.

A bitterly cold but blustery day requiring small to midsized sails. We began with spinnakers fitted departing from the startline the boats headed towards the shed and then the chicken rock where the Firewood picked up weed slowing it to a crawl. Winter normally kills the weeds retarding their growth to June when they become problematic but the winter has been so mild it appears as though this natural cycle has not happened.

1st race

Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson completed the race in a time of 27m38s. followed in second position by the Aurora, 28m44s & in third position was the Firewood sailed by Kevin Paterson, 33m50s.

2nd race

Apollo narrowly crossing the finish line in first place 22m59s followed closely by the Firewood, 23m50s. In third position Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller and in final place was 2 juniors sailing the Bee, Lewis Paterson and Ben McKinnon, 29m50.

The wind had increased throughout the afternoon making the yachts sail faster increasing the impact when they hit the rocky shoreline of the loch, punishing the boats. The Aurora and the Bee both suffered damage as a result with their keels showing signs of separating from the hull. Repairs were needed before the following weeks racing.