The Wick Model Yacht Clubs season has come to an end just as the weather becomes warmer. Saturday was a fabulous day for sailing a good breeze blowing, sunshine and warm water. The boats were fitted with mid-sized sails. From the startline they could sail directly to the far end with no tacking, then return with spinnaker.

We began the penultimate race at pace, the Argo stretched a lead leaving the fleet competing or the lesser places. The Shangani sailing tight pulled into the long side moving slowly. The Apollo and Pioneer flowing similar paths initially ran slack touching the short shore required adjustment which pushed them over to the long side. The Blue Haze although slower followed the Argo sailing from goal to goal. At the far end with spinnaker fitted the Argo had a substantial lead over the others unfortunately the mainsail was tight which forced it to follow the long shore eventually landing in the hole. The Apollo and Blue Haze were turned together. The Apollo running slacker needed several adjustments on the short shore causing time loss. In clear water the Blue Haze pulled ahead reducing Argo's lead. The Pioneer struggled on the spinnaker run hugging the long side.

Result: 1 Blue Haze, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 22minutes 11seconds, 2 Apollo, 24.00, 3 Argo, 24.44, 4 Shangani, sailed by Graham Robertson, 28.50, 5 Pioneer, sailed by Louise & Peter Sinclair, 29.05

Our final race for the coveted '1903' trophy began similarly to the first race with the Argo stretching a lead with everyone else following, this time however there was no errors. The Apollo with larger spinnaker fitted on the return leg increased the gap from the following Blue Haze, but it could not catch the swiftly moving Argo. The Shangani with an improved time followed. The Pioneer backfilled on the return and was removed from the race.

Result: 1 Argo, sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 21.36, 2 Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 22.51, 4 Blue Haze, 24.22, 4 Shangani, 27.10

Weather conditions were good with a light ESE wind that resulted in beam sailing when four boats set off for the first race. Pioneer and Aurora fouled at the start and Apollo made steady headway down the loch whilst all boats headed towards the long shore, by the turn the Apollo had a commanding lead from Pioneer, Aurora and Blue Haze. On the return leg Apollo's lead was being quickly reduced by the speedier Pioneer and Aurora. Apollo came in at the corner of the hole and was quickly adjusted to cross the line in first place ahead of Pioneer who had a clear run from end to end, Aurora was third and Blue Haze fourth.

Result: 1. Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 27.37, 2. Pioneer sailed by Peter & Louise Sinclair 29.41, 3. Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 32.02, 4. Blue Haze sailed by Graham Robertson 34.11

The wind had changed to a NE direction for the start of the second race and some boats had opted for a balloon spinnaker from the start. Again four boats started and as in the first race a couple of boats fouled just after setting off. This time it was Pioneer and Blue Haze whilst Aurora and Apollo both fitted with ballon spinakkers sailed quickly towards the south end of the loch, The wind again changed back to a beam wind and they were both forced over towards the short shore. Aurora removed the spinnaker whilst Apollo replaced the balloon with a flat spinakker and they both carried on towards the south end. Blue Haze was making good progress down the middle of the loch whilst Pioneer went to the long shore. At the turn Apollo was leading from Blue Haze and with a good return leg was able to maintain the lead to finish in first place. There was a good race developing for third and fourth placings between Aurora and Pioneer, with Pioneer leading the way from the fast finishing Aurora. It looked as if the Poneer would hold on to claim third place but with an accumulation of weeds around the burn near the finish line the Pioneer was halted in the weeds, she turned and actually went astern for a moment until regaining her course and direction towards the finish - this allowed Aurora to sail past and claim third place.

Result: 1. Apollo 26.59, 2. Blue Haze 30.56, 3. Aurora 36.12, 4. Pioneer 37.06

The weather conditions on Saturday improved slightly as we walked down towards the lochside. The wind was very light almost stagnant, marginally increasing as we prepared ourselves fitting the largest sails onto he boats.

We began the first race with 4 boats, the Pioneer and Apollo sailing very high headed towards the longside. The slower moving Blue Haze had the better line down the middle of the loch while the unfortunate Aurora, sailed by Graham Robertson, left the startline only to return minutes later after a second attempt it was removed from racing. After several tacks the boats reached the far end.

The Apollo marginally ahead of the Blue Haze stretched its lead with a quickly fitted spinnaker on its starboard side. The others followed, with a slight change of wind direction they all headed towards the longside. The Blue Haze landed at the chicken rock had its spinnaker swapped to the port side. The spinnaker swap proved advantageous closing the gap on the leading Apollo as it continued on to the hole. As the finish line loomed closer the Blue Haze pipped the Apollo as they were recovered from the hole.

Result: 1 Blue Haze, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 47minutes 49seconds, 2 Apollo, 48.07. 3 Pioneer, sailed by Tony Wilson, 56.10.

The second race began as before, the vessels left the startline heading towards the shed for a tack across. As we all approached the chicken rock the wind eased. First to be affected was the Aurora which headed back to the start next to be removed Pioneer. The Apollo and Blue Haze persevered for a couple more tacks gradually making progress. The Apollo caught a lucky gust and pushed its way to the far end to return with spinnaker fitted it began its return journey. The Blue Haze with a losing tack was subsequently removed realising that race time was approaching the limit.

Result: 1 Apollo, 50minutes 47seconds

During the interval we spent sometime searching for the model yacht that sank the previous weekend, poking around the murky water with a hook on a pole from a rowing boat without success. Two local divers Mark Cormack and Neil Pellow swam back and forth in search of the sunken vessel, apparently the visibility was so poor they could barely see there hands in front of them. Luckily Neil swam across the 105 year old boat, Diligent, to the relief of its owner Peter Sinclair

The wind on Saturday was deceiving it appeared to be stronger than it actually was, two of the model yachts were fitted with mid-sized sails, the Argo and Blue Haze, the others adopted their largest set. From the onset each boat was trimmed to sail directly down the loch to the far end. The Apollo and Aurora pulled into the wind hitting rocks at the chicken rock slackening and releasing on the same tack. The fast moving Pioneer touched the short side beyond the shed requiring a tack which lost it a lot of time. The dawdling Blue Haze sailed down the middle only touching the longside prior to the goal. The Argo attempted a start but was undersailed and returned to the startline where it was removed to have larger sails fitted in preparation for the next race. At the far end the Blue Haze and Apollo entered the goal with spinnakers quickly fitted he Apollo first on the return leg led the way. The Blue Haze slowly caught up with the Apollo until it was adjusted, whereupon it gradually extended a gap. The Aurora had a good spinnaker run but the time it lost on the longside sailing into the wind held it back. The Pioneer struggled to return, the spinnaker lost one of its strings causing it to flap like a flag.

In first position Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 26m51s, second Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 28m12s, in third Aurora, 49m02s and in fourth Pioneer sailed by Louise Sinclair, 40m54s.

The second race began with drizzle and an easing wind. Five boats started the race all got as far as the chicken rock, fortunately for the Aurora and Apollo being ahead they made it passed the strip with no wind. The others had several attempts entering an area where the lack of wind could not maintain the vessels direction and they would drift slowly backward to the short shore, eventually the Argo sailed by Graham Robertson, the Blue Haze and the Pioneer were removed. The Apollo ahead of the Aurora kept its lead to the finish line.

In first place Apollo, 47m48s, second Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 49m02s.

At the start of the day the club had a retro moment with a 105 year old model yacht originally built on Stroma called Diligent. The fine looking vessel sailed across the loch before almost returning to shore, when it started to get lower and lower in the water before completely disappearing into the brown abyss. A desperate owner adorned a wet suit, flippers and facemask to recover the unfortunate vessel.

Saturdays racing could only be described as calamitous, in comparison to the previous weeks consist sailing between competitors. A beam wind was flowing across the loch which under normal circumstances should have been a single tack from one end to the other and back. In the first race we fitted balloon spinnakers to the boats from the start line they proceeded to the shed with adjustment some headed to the chicken rock others hugged the short shore. The only vessel to pass this phase unaffected was the Apollo, the others muddled their way to the far end to have the spinnaker swapped over to the starboard side. The Apollo leading the fleet was followed by the Aurora. These two were way ahead of the others who struggled their way repeatedly blown against the short shore due to the large spinnakers.

The first to cross the finish line was the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 23m15s, second was the Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 26m01. Almost ten minutes later the third boat arrived the Shangani, 32m22s, fourth Blue Haze, 35m22s and in fifth Pioneer, 36m10s.

The second race now with flat spinnakers the preferred choice, we set off with high hopes of better success, but as before misfortune prevailed. As the boats reached the chicken rock the Apollo and Aurora collided spun around and proceeded to the startline. The slow moving Blue Haze backfilled and returned to the hole. The only vessel moving at pace was the Pioneer with a flat spinnaker it attained a huge lead even with a slight mishap at the far end and then on the return landing in the hole. It was recovered both times whilst maintaining the lead but only just as the Apollo took advantage reducing the huge gap to only a few seconds at the finish line. The Blue Fin sailed by two juniors was oversailed, when heeled the slackened mainsail would draw in and the boat would change direction pointing towards the wind on the long side. This required multiple adjustments each touch loosing loads of time.

In first position, Pioneer sailed by Louise Sinclair, 31m16s, marginally ahead of the Apollo, 31m29s. In third Shangani sailed by Tony Wilson, 36m44s, followed by the Aurora, 38m50s. Fifth Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 45m20s and in Sixth place Blue Fin sailed by Ben McKinnon & Lewis Paterson, 59m24s.

The Wick Model Yacht Club held the annual MayDay event with 8 races held over two days. Each days racing started at 11am going through to 4 or 5 in the afternoon. The wind was light requiring our largest sails. On Saturday the sun shone through the occasional cloud. On Sunday it was cooler with the odd shower of rain.

Contenders:

• Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson
• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson
• Valhalla (Saturday) / Pioneer (Sunday) sailed by Louise Sinclair

Race 1. We began sailing into the wind requiring several tacks to and fro before reaching the half way point and returning under spinnaker. The Valhalla was leading, moving quickly, closely followed by the Apollo and Blue Haze sailing higher to the wind. The Aurora was trailing, on one tack it would sail as good as the others but on the opposite tack it would fall away from the wind. This was traced to the mast bend changing sail shape. At the turnaround the Valhalla struggled on the short shore as it continued to hit regardless of adjustments, it was passed by the Apollo then the Blue Haze. The Blue Haze behind with the larger spinnaker but with greater speed eventually caught and passed the Apollo at the shed. The Aurora also passed the Valhalla but backfilled and landed foul of the hole, losing its position.

1st Blue Haze, 2nd Apollo, 3rd Valhalla, 4th Aurora

Race 2. The Apollo was adjusted for more speed by not sailing so high. The Blue Haze as before sailing high, the Aurora with a mast adjustment was sailing much better with the Valhalla following.

At the turnaround just barely across the line and the Apollo and Blue Haze collided with several pirouettes prior to recovery. Once separated spinnakers were fitted. A two man team fitting the spinnaker is much quicker and the Apollo was the first on the return leg followed by the Blue Haze. The Aurora had a good uneventful spinnaker run almost sailing from end to end. The Valhalla again struggled on the short shore with the spinnaker on the wrong side.

1st Apollo, 2nd Blue Haze, 3rd Aurora, 4th Valhalla

Race 3. Taking advantage of the mast adjustment the Aurora sailed much faster than the others into the wind. The Apollo and Blue Haze both trying to hold on to its heels. And the Valhalla not sailing as high lost ground. On the return the Aurora leading with Apollo following with spinnakers fitted to the port side. The Blue Haze and Valhalla chose to fit their spinnakers on the starboard side. Such was the direction of the wind as it blows its way across the water, it bends. The Blue Haze with the larger spinnaker caught the Apollo at the shed required adjustment and back filled to the hole losing its briefly gained position. The Valhalla trailed.

1st Aurora, 2nd Apollo, 3rd Blue Haze, 4th Valhalla

Race 4. The Valhalla sailing much better this race was fast into the wind with the Apollo behind sailing high followed by the Blue Haze and Aurora. On the return for the Valhalla it was not so good as with the first races it had difficulty getting off the shore, but held its lead until the shed where the Apollo and Blue Haze caught up. At the shed the 3 boats were side by side the Apollo with an adjustment backfilled and headed to the dreaded hole. The Valhalla continued to touch the shore a few more times allowing the Blue Haze out in clear water to cruise home. The Aurora caught up but couldn't pass the recovered Apollo.

1st Blue Haze, 2nd Valhalla, 3rd Apollo, 4th Aurora

So at the end of day one the points were as follows:

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. Apollo, 10 (67m03s)
2. Blue Haze, 10 (67m10s)
3. Aurora, 9
4. Valhalla, 7

QuaterCentenary Cup, races 2 & 4

1. Blue Haze, 11
2. Apollo, 10
3. Aurora, 7
4. Valhalla, 5

Day 2. The wind speed was almost identical as the day before, possibly lighter and the sun was hidden behind the clouds but the racing was still as competitive.

Race 5. The Aurora sailing high into the oncoming wind was passed by the Pioneer not sailing high but moving very quickly. The Apollo and Blue Haze could only follow behind. At the halfway goal a quickly fitted spinnaker on the port side saw the Apollo released first. However it bounced its way down the short shore. The Pioneer with spinnaker fitted to the starboard side initially hit the short shore then headed to the long side before returning to the finish line. The Blue Haze followed. The Aurora with spinnaker fitted to the port side unfortunately hit a rock turned and backfilled to the the longside before recovery.

1st Pioneer, 2nd Apollo, 3rd Blue Haze, 4th Aurora

Race 6. As before the Pioneer was sailing quickly but the Aurora managed to get to the far goal first. With the Apollo close behind, the Blue Haze struggling being undersailed. On the return the Aurora and Apollo were neck and neck the whole way to the finish line, with the Aurora finishing only seconds ahead. The Valhalla was gaining on the leaders but the gap was to great. The Blue Haze trailing backfilled and landed in the hole.

1st Aurora, 2nd Apollo, 3rd Pioneer, 4th Blue Haze

Race 7. The Aurora led the way from the start line. The Apollo and Valhalla sailing together eventually collided at the chicken rock, the bumper of the Apollo snagged the backstay of the Valhalla and they slowly drifted back to the shed. Allowing the slow moving Blue Haze to jump two places. The quick paced Aurora was the clear winner of this race followed by the Blue Haze. The recovered vessels rejoined the race. The Apollo managed to cover the distance within the one hour limit however the Pioneer did not.

1st Aurora, 2nd Blue Haze, 3rd Apollo

Race 8. In the latter stages of the weekends event the Aurora seemed to find its wings, sailing quicker than the others. As per the last 2 races the Aurora was leading into the wind. Leaving the rest of the fleet to scramble over the lesser positions. On the return even though it landed in the hole it had a large enough lead to be recovered in time to win.

1st Aurora, 2nd Apollo, 3rd Pioneer, 4th Blue Haze

Sundays results:

Mayday Shield, races 1 & 3

1. Blue Haze, 9 (64m33s)
2. Aurora, 9 (67m53s)
3. Apollo, 9 (85m11s)
4. Pioneer, 6

SMYA Northern Cup, races 2 & 4

1. Aurora,12
2. Apollo, 10
3. Pioneer, 8
4. Blue Haze, 6

Overall winner of the weekend with the most accrued points for the coveted Viking Cup

1. Apollo, 39
2. Aurora, 37
3. Blue Haze, 36
4. Pioneer / Valhalla, 29

On Saturday we endured fog, as did the rest of the county, which made the model yacht racing more eventful than normal. Mid-sized sails were fitted, sailing into the wind from the start line and returning with a flat or balloon spinnaker the sailors choice. The fog was fairly thick with visibility down to about 100ft not enough to see the opposite side of the loch. We could see the boats maybe half way across then they would disappear into the abyss. On days like this a lot more shouting is involved 'Can you see the boat?', 'I'm at the burn, where are you?', etc. The first race, immediately upon release the Blue Haze and Aurora collided and returned to the start. Once corrected all yachts headed to the shed required tightening to sail closer to the eye of the wind to maintain their direction. Past the half way point and they started to pull off the short shore into the fog to the opposite side. The Apollo with flat spinnaker fitted was the first to return hugging the short shore as it went. The Aurora sailing down the centre of the loch clipped the edge of the hole. The gaining Blue Haze landed deep in the hole.

With a clear lead the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson crossed the finish line in 24m01s. Second position Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 30m04s. Marginally behind was the Blue Haze, 30m25s.

The second race of the day began with 4 boats, the fourth Blue Fin sailed by two junior members Ben McKinnon & Lewis Paterson who thought it would be great fun sailing in these difficult conditions. The Apollo and Aurora got a clean start with the Blue Fin and Blue Haze hooking themselves together only to be separated at the shed. As before the leading Apollo with the wind shift at the half way point pulled off the short shore into the fog, followed by the others. At this point events became hazy but at the far end the Apollo was recovered beyond the burn on the short shore waiting for adjustment. The Blue Haze following on the far shore with the Aurora and Blue Fin behind somewhere in the fog. The Apollo first on the return leg with flat spinnaker fitted hugged the short shore. The Blue Haze with Balloon spinnaker attached slowly gained and eventually passed the Apollo sailing marginally quicker.

In first position Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 27m42s and in second Apollo, 28m27s. The Aurora suffered from a knocked rudder causing the boat to circle and was removed at the shed. The Blue Fin required a search party, Lewis and Ben not used to the boat expected it to be near the finish line, but at some point on the return leg the boat backfilled sailing back up the loch. Willie Thomson found Blue Fin beyond the shed near the burn. The Juniors thought this was great fun.

Saturday a beautiful day with light winds blowing across the loch, 4 boats began the race. Upon release the Blue Haze and Aurora struck each other and turned at the start line. The Valhalla running tight sailed slowly towards the long side. The Apollo straight down the centre followed by the recovered Aurora. As the boats sailed back and forth progressing down the loch the Apollo gradually extended a clear lead. The Aurora was passed by the Blue Haze and Valhalla, with a knocked rudder it began to pirouette on the water and was eventually removed from racing. On the return with balloons fitted the Apollo continued to extend its lead to the finish line.

In first position Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 41m01s, second Valhalla sailed by Louise Sinclair, 57m03s and in third place just scraping within the hour time limit Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 59m38s.

Second race, 5 boats started, most boats from release pointed in the intended direction apart from the Pioneer running slack aimed for the shed. As the boats passed the point a slight wind shift redirected the boats towards the chicken rock, but the slack Pioneer pointed dead centre down the loch. Once they model yachts hit the shore each one was slackened to continue. The Blue Haze unfortunately hit a rock the light winds not sufficient to push the boat off, it subsequently turned around freed itself and sailed all the way back to the start line. The others however carried on to the far end with the Valhalla leading, where various spinnakers were fitted. The Apollo chose a flat spinnaker, the others used balloons. As the race progressed the wind marginally increased to favour the use of balloon spinnakers. The Pioneer with the largest began to pull away leaving the others behind. The Apollo with its flat spinnaker landed in the hole.

In first place Pioneer sailed by Tony Wilson, 45m20s, second Valhalla, 49m58s, third Apollo, 52m04s and in fourth Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 53m12s.

On Saturday the Wick Model Yacht Club endured a blustery day demanding our smallest sails. The wind direction was such that it would allow a perfectly trimmed yacht to sail from one end to the other with no interaction. Racing began with 4 yachts the Shangani, sailed by Peter & Louie Sinclair with the better line pulled ahead the others with tightened mainsails reached the shore at the shed. A small adjustment and they were off again. The wind being uncontrollable increased the Shangani was driven to the long shore with a slackening mainsail. A few attempts back and forth but the boat had to be removed from racing as it couldn’t complete. The Apollo seized the lead extending it ahead of the Blue Haze and Aurora. The Apollo with spinnaker fitted returned running slightly slack headed towards the hole. Next to fit the spinnaker was the Blue Haze hugging the short shore closing the gap to the Apollo. As the Apollo darted off the stones in the hole the Blue Haze was gaining all the time. As the finish line approached there was only a few boat lengths between them. The Aurora was behind with an extra tack at the far end of the loch.

In first position Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 21m20s in a close second Blue Haze, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 21m40s and in third Aurora, 35m06s.

Only 3 boats started the second race as the Shangani suffered from a broken kicking strap it couldn't continue. As we began the Blue Haze had the better line but was slack and landed and the chicken rock requiring a tack. The Apollo followed by the Aurora continued on the same tack to the half way point. The Apollo sailing steady and straight direction pulled away. The Aurora and Blue Haze would point into the wind during gusts and fall away in lighter spells wandering as they went. With spinnakers fitted the Apollo was the leading at pace. The Aurora with an ill-fitted spinnaker was flapping in the wind slowly being caught by the Blue Haze.

First with another quick time, Apollo, 22m09s, second Aurora, sailed by Archie Miller, 25m42s and in third place Blue Haze, 27m30s.

A warm light breeze blowing across the loch a promising start to a fine days sailing. We began with four model yachts setting off. The Shangani with the favourable line down the middle, the others running slacker struck the shore at the shed. A quick adjustment and they were sent across the loch on the losing tack. On the long side they were turned again, the Apollo sailing at speed was catching the Shangani, followed by the Aurora sailed by Archie Miller and the Blue Haze. Again all the boats hit the short shore to be sent across tacking as we went. At the chicken rock the boats were turned and progressed onwards on the gaining tack. Shangani sailed by Peter & Louise Sinclair marginally ahead entered an area of doldrums, a very light waft of air not enough to maintain the boats direction so it gradually turned ending back on the short shore at the half way point. The Apollo next to cross miraculously slipped through. The Aurora and Blue Haze followed the Shangani. These three were again sent across the loch for a second attempt to cross the doldrums again they failed having to repeat the process. When all this was going on the Apollo was on the return leg of its journey with the spinnaker fitted. Eventually the Shangani sailed through followed by the Blue haze sailed by Kevin Paterson and the Aurora. As these three with spinnakers now fitted began to return the Apollo had already completed the race distance. The Shangani leading sailed calmly down the middle of the loch backfilling at the last moments at the finish line allowing the Blue Haze to pass, trailing behind was the Aurora.

In first position the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson in a time of 41m42s. The other vessels unfortunately had to be disqualified, even though they completed the race distance. With race times in excess of the one hour time limit cited in our rule book. The second race was abandoned as the wind lightened.

A light off beam wind blowing from the coast. All sailors chose their top suit for today's event. With a whistle blow we began, the model yachts sailing into the wind. The Apollo and Blue Haze slightly slack headed towards the shed with several adjustments on their way to the far end. The Shangani tight went to the long side hugging this shore was the first to arrive at the far end, followed by the Apollo. With spinnakers fitted they returned. The Shangani moving faster than the others extended its lead. The Apollo caught the edge of the hole allowing the chasing Blue Haze to catch.

In first position Shangani sailed by Louise & Peter Sinclair, 23m54s, second Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam, 25m08s. Third Blue Haze, 26m13s.

The second race, Shangani as the first race headed to the long side the Apollo the short but this time the Blue Haze had the better line down the middle of the loch. The extra adjustments needed by the others gave the lead to the Blue Haze. A swiftly fitted spinnaker and the Blue Haze returned. Shangani with balloon fitted followed ahead of the Apollo fitted with a flat spinnaker. Both the Blue Haze and Shangani bounced their way down the short side. One hit of the shore too many for the Blue Haze and the spinnaker unhooked the wind then drove it to the hole. The lead gained was lost giving the Shangani time to pass. The Apollo struggled to leave the long shore.

First place Shangani, 27m06s, followed by the Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 32m24s, third Apollo, 42m47s.

A breezy start to the day easing as the afternoon passed, everyone selecting mid-sized sails. We began with a head wind that changed direction as the model yachts were released. Expecting the boats to tack to and fro a tuned yacht potentially could sail slowly from end to end on one tack. The Shangani and Blue Haze were sailing down the middle of the loch. The Apollo and Aurora headed to the long side towards the 'chicken' rock. The Apollo moving quickly tacked twice before reaching the far end. The Shangani still on its first tack was sailing slower but it didn't have to travel as far was just a few boat lengths behind. The Blue Haze chasing both. With spinnakers fitted the model yachts made their way back the Apollo leading and the Blue Haze passing the Shangani as it was adjusted on the shore.

The first to cross the finish line Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson, 27m16s. Second Shangani passing the Blue Haze just seconds before crossing the line, 33m16s & 33m22s, respectively. The Aurora was removed.

During refreshments the wind eased changing direction becoming a beam wind across the loch. All four boats were on the same tack the Apollo ahead closely followed by the Aurora with the Shangani and Blue Haze nearby. On the return the Apollo chose to use a flat spinnaker the other used balloons and began to close the gap. The Blue Haze caught and almost passed the Apollo as they both headed towards the edge of the hole. The Shangani sailing well nipped ahead passing both vessels to clinch the lead.

First place Shangani sailed by Louise Sinclair, 23m42s, second Apollo, 24m36s, third Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 25m18s and in fourth Aurora, sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller, 25m18s.

Saturday the 15th another howler of a day this time the wind was beam blowing across the loch. The water was fairly calm on the short shore with the waves building in size towards the long side. The Aurora, Apollo and Blue Haze started, the former 2 with flat spinnakers. The Blue Haze with a regular balloon spinnaker with a not tied in the middle to reduce surface area, catching less wind, sailed up the middle of the loch. The others made contact with the short shore several times losing ground. On the return Blue Haze with spinnaker removed was ahead with a chasing Apollo close behind. Leading all the way to the point the Apollo finally passed when the Blue Haze caught the edge of the hole. The Aurora was some way behind with a slackened kicking strap caused by the strong wind.

First place Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam, 22m33s, second Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson, 23m11s and third Aurora sailed by Louise Sinclair, 32m56s.

During the interval with a warming cup of tea the wind strength increased to the point where spray was blowing from wave crests, called spindrifts. With this we decided to pack up and return home preserving the boats for another week.

The following Saturday the 8th it was blowing a hoolie from south to north. At the startline the waves length between peaks was about 8ft, twice the length of our boats. We reluctantly started. The Apollo and Blue Haze were neck and neck all the way to the far end where the wind and waves eased. The Aurora suffered from a slackening mainsail forcing its removal from the race. Spinnakers were fitted for the return leg with the Apollo sailing faster than the chasing sailors. Colliding with the edge of the ‘hole’ the spinnaker was removed and the boat released with the intention of it crossing the finish line. Unfortunately it sailed across the mouth of the goal. The trailing Blue Haze nose diving in to the waves, according to Ben McKinnon our timekeeper, it was like Davy Jone’s vessel from Pirates of the Caribbean surfacing from the depths. The rigging appearing first followed by the hull breaking the waters surface.

In first position Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson and in close second place the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson.

In fear of breakages we stopped with the single race.

The Wick Model Yacht Clubs season has started once again. We began on the 1st of March with three boats the Apollo, Shangani & Blue Haze. The day was bright with a mild breeze so medium sails were chosen. As with most beginnings there are teething troubles this season it is our stopwatch. The cold weather is playing havoc with the display making it unreadable at the crucial moments when the vessels cross the finish line.

From the starting whistle the yachts set off on their voyage tacking to and fro across the loch to the far end. At this point the Apollo was marginally leading the other boats. Once fitted with spinnakers the boats were turned for the return leg. The Apollo stretching its lead with the others trailing.

The first model yacht to cross the finish line was the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & William Thomson. Second Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson and Third the Shangani.

After our short interval with refreshments we began the second race. As before the fleet was led by the Apollo but this time the Shangani improved its pace once the mast was straightened. The return leg was a neck and neck race between the Blue Haze and Shangani.

In first position Apollo, 31m19s, second Shangani sailed by Louise Sinclair, 34m00s and third Blue Haze, 34m20s.