The final sailing day of this years season, a deceptively breezy day, all competitors fitted their storm rigs. From the start line the model yachts had to tack to the far end, the south westerly wind direction gave one gaining tack and one losing tack. As we began the Aurora quickly took the lead. The Blue Haze sailing higher and slower whilst an under sailed Apollo fell behind. A quick decision was made and the Apollo was refitted with mid sized sails to overcome its disadvantage. As we progressed to the returning goal, although the Aurora was moving faster than the others it was losing out to the Blue Haze which did not have to travel as long a distance. On the return with spinnakers fitted to the port side, the small lead the Blue Haze had gained slowly increased towards the finishing line ahead of the Aurora, recomposed Apollo was gaining.

Result: 1. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 33.29, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 34.47, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 36.37.

During the interval the wind had increased, as before the Aurora was the fastest moving, the Apollo now oversailed followed the same path. The Blue Haze slower but sailing higher. As the vessels reached the returning goal despite the Aurora and Apollo requiring a tack they were all relatively close to each other. The Blue Haze was first to return but a quicker moving Aurora clipped its rear spun both around allowing the Apollo to pass. Once recovered the Aurora followed the short shore chasing an over-sailed Apollo on route to the 'hole'. The Blue Haze with a number of adjustments could not catch the Aurora.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24.50, 2. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 27.08, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 29.42.

A sunny day with a fair breeze blowing, each yacht fitted with large sails. The wind was blowing directly up the loch, so from the start line the boats would tack back and forth progressing towards the returning goal. Once there spinnakers were fitted for the return journey. On the outward leg of the first race the racing was close to the returning goal, only seconds separated each boat. With spinnakers fitted to the starboard side the Aurora pulled away from the others, the Blue Haze back-filled losing time.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie Miller 33.09, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 36.28, 3. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 38.59.

The second race as before was closely contested to the returning goal. On the return a slight wind shift provided a choice, Which side should the spinnaker be fitted?. The Blue Haze chose the port while the others decided to continue as before and rig up on the starboard side. As the boats progressed down the loch, the Blue Haze pulled away from the others as they sailed towards the long side. The wind favoured the spinnaker on the port side.

Result: 1. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 29.33, 2. Aurora Archie Miller 35.15, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 36.10.

A chilly day with plenty of wind. Two model yachts were fitted with mid-sized sails whilst the other two fitted their storm rigs.

The off-beam wind blowing from inland to the coast meant the yachts from the start line could either run with slackened sails or fitted with a flat spinnaker. On the return a flat or small balloon spinnaker could be used.

The Pioneer led from the start line followed by the Blue Haze, Aurora and Apollo. The Aurora and Apollo were fitted with mid-sized sails and a flat spinnaker slowly fell behind as they heeled excessively due to being over-sailed. The Pioneer and Blue Haze required a minor adjustment on the short shore prior to reaching the returning goal. The Pioneer was turned choosing not to fit a flat or balloon spinnaker gaining distance by saving time. The Blue Haze adopted a small balloon spinnaker allowing it to quickly catch and pass the Pioneer. The Apollo also with balloon fitted sailed and landed in the 'hole' it was subsequently removed from racing due to a snapped mainsail boom. The Aurora struggled with a flat spinnaker requiring multiple adjustments.

Result: 1. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 18.42 2. Pioneer Peter & Louise Sinclair 20.25, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 27.33.

The second race began with the Pioneer leading. The Blue Haze and Apollo colliding at the start both losing time. On the return the Pioneer this time adopted a balloon spinnaker quickly set off chased by the Aurora fitted with a flat spinnaker. The Blue Haze was third to return, fitted as before, gaining on the Aurora. At the shed the Blue Haze passed the Aurora but it ran aground at the 'point' allowing the Aurora to regain its position finishing only 2seconds ahead. The Apollo never made much progress after the repair during the interval it rapidly fell behind and was removed from the race.

Result: 1. Pioneer Peter & Louise Sinclair 17.48, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 21.24, 3. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 21.26.

A light head wind from the south, each model yacht was fitted with its largest sails. From the start line the boats would tack to and fro to the far end returning with spinnakers fitted.

The light winds was ideal conditions for the first of our junior races. The boats slowly progressed down the loch until reaching the chicken rock where the winds eased. Only the Blue Haze continued forward, the other vessels drifted backwards due to the lack of a breeze, eventually recovering. The Blue Haze was the first at the returning goal with the spinnaker fitted increasing the sail area the boat continued with ease to the finishing line. The Apollo and Aurora also returned. The Pioneer, sailed by Rory Sinclair, however suffered the most with the conditions not achieving the race distance in the allotted time.

Result: 1. Blue Haze Lewis Paterson & Charlie Taylor 43.41, 2. Apollo Katie Paterson & Emma Cowie 47.25, 3. Aurora Zoe Mackay 50.22.

The second race was the return of the adults, the increase in wind speed reduced the race time. The Pioneer not suffering any longer set the pace although the lead it held was small and any slip up would allow any of the following fleet to take advantage. The racing was close with less than 2minutes separating the boats as they crossed the finished line.

Result: 1. Pioneer Peter & Louise Sinclair 31.59, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 32.09, 3. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 32.50, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 33.24

The Wick Model Yacht Club held the annual InterCounty Challenge sailing against the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club competing eight races over two days.

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day with a beam wind blowing from the sea, each of the vessels were fitted with mid-sized sails. The Wick members fitted their yachts with flat spinnakers to maintain direction whilst the Orcadians adopt a different method known as vane gear to assist their steering.

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

• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson
• Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam
• Pioneer sailed by Peter & Louise Sinclair

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

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

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The Pioneer fitted with a flat spinnaker was the quickest from the startline closely followed by the Highlander. The others were having teething problems getting the sails trimmed for the days sailing, the Apollo was running slack whilst the Blue Haze back-filled twice. On the return the Aurora caught passing the Highlander to achieve second place, however the Pioneer was to far ahead.

Result: 1. Pioneer 21.39, 2. Aurora 24.37, 3. Highlander 25.08, 4. Blue Haze 27.50, 5. Apollo 33.36.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

After a short interval we began the second race the Highlander this time set the pace sailing from the start line to the returning goal without the time loss of adjustments. On its return the Highlander headed to the 'hole', followed by the Pioneer, Aurora & Apollo. The Blue Haze running slacker followed the short shore gaining places as the others lost time in the 'hole'. The early lead obtained by the Highlander held it in good stead maintaining first place.

Result: 1. Highlander 21.58, 2. Blue Haze 22.54, 3. Aurora 23.56, 4. Pioneer 25.01, 5. Apollo 26.34.

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The Highlander moving quickly was leading but touched the shore twice before reaching the returning goal. The Blue Haze kept pace by sailing from end to end. On the return the gap was opened by the Highlander which landed in the 'hole'. Its recovery caused it to lose time allowing the Blue Haze to close but its lead was enough to achieve a second win.

The Aurora and Pioneer clashed at the beginning causing a back-fill returning to the start line. they then struggled to get off the short shore slowing progress.

Result: 1. Highlander 21.50, 2. Blue Haze 23.03, 3. Apollo 24.05, 4. Aurora 25.14, 5. Pioneer 26.54.

Fourth race - 2nd Leg of Quatercentenary Cup

The final race of the day, with the temperature cooling and the wind speed slightly increasing saw the Pioneer return to pace. From the start everyone got away cleanly the Highlander as usual was very quick turning around at the returning goal, unfortunately it clipped the edge of the 'hole' allowing the Pioneer and Aurora to slip past.

Result: 1. Pioneer 21.32, 2. Aurora 23.00, 3. Highlander 24.04, 4. Blue Haze 24.12, 5. Apollo 25.00.

Saturday 2nd, concluded as follows:

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. Highlander 10points
2. Pioneer 8 (48.33)
3. Aurora 8 (49.51)
4. Blue Haze 8 (50.53)
5. Apollo 6

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Highlander 10points
2. Pioneer 9 (46.33)
3. Aurora 9 (46.56)
4. Blue Haze 8
5. Apollo 4

Sunday the 3rd, a dull overcast day with a strong wind blowing in the same direction as the previous day. Each yacht was fitted with their smallest sails.

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

The increase in wind speed was noticeable when the model yachts started the Highlander quickly took the lead. The Aurora chasing in second fitted with a flat spinnaker. The Pioneer and Apollo never adopted the flat spinnaker so were slightly off pace. On the return the leading Highlander hit the rocks at the 'hole' spinning it around to sail back towards the shed. This allowed the Aurora and Apollo to pass. The Aurora completing the race in the quickest time this season.

Result: 1. Aurora 18.05, 2. Apollo 20.40, 3. Pioneer 21.02, 4. Blue Haze 23.27, 5. Highlander 26.43.

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

From the start line the Blue Haze sailing higher headed towards the chicken rock the others slacker hugged the short shore requiring multiple adjustments all arriving at the returning goal at the same time. On the return, the Aurora again finished in a very quick time followed by the others in less than twenty minutes apart from the Blue Haze which fell behind.

Result: 1. Aurora 18.15, 2. Apollo 19.39, 3. Highlander 19.41, 4. Pioneer 19.55, 5. Blue Haze 26.52.

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

A slight change in wind direction meant there was now a choice to continue using a flat or a small balloon spinnaker. From the start line the vessels sailed into the wind. The Pioneer was leading the fleet followed by the Aurora, the Highlander impeded hitting the short shore but still ahead of the back filled pioneer and the trailing Blue Haze. On the return the positions changed. The Aurora fitted with a flat spinnaker obtained a huge lead. The Blue Haze chose to fit a small balloon spinnaker which made a dramatic difference to its speed. It first passed the Pioneer which eventually landed in the 'hole' then it passed the Highlander and finally it passed the Apollo just prior to crossing the finish line.

Result: 1. Aurora 20.05, 2. Blue Haze 21.08, 3. Apollo 21.14, 4. Highlander 21.58, 5. Pioneer 27.01.

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The final race of the weekend was another fast run which by now was telling on the sailors. The vessels headed into the wind as before. The Highlander with a tweak improved its outbound run creating a lead. On the return the Blue Haze repeated its fast return home making up two positions. The Apollo attempted the same improvement by fitting a small balloon spinnaker but the boom snapped slowing its return.

Result: 1. Highlander 20.02, 2. Blue Haze 20.44, 3. Pioneer 21.12, 4. Aurora 22.46, 5. Apollo 22.52.

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Aurora 12
2. Apollo 9
3. Blue Haze 8
4. Pioneer 6
5. Highlander 5

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. Highlander 10
2. Aurora 9
3. Pioneer 7 (41.05)
4. Apollo 7 (42.31)
5. Blue Haze 7 (47.36)

The races held in this MayDay event was unusually quick. The fastest sailing model yacht of the weekend was the Highlander but it landed in the 'hole' numerous times allowing the following fleet to pass. The Aurora was the most consistent boat over the two days accruing the most points becoming the ultimate winner.

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Aurora 38
2. Highlander 35
3. Blue Haze 31
4. Pioneer 30
5. Apollo 26

Bill Drever Cup - best Orcadian vessel

1. Highlander 35

A surprisingly cold day with plenty of wind. Every model yacht was fitted with their storm rigs to cope with the strong wind, which was whipping up white horses on the water.

The off-beam wind meant the yachts could sail with a spinnaker on a single tack to the returning goal. On the return with a slackened mainsail again a single tack could be achieved.

The first race, The Aurora initially took the lead followed by the Blue Haze both hugged the short shore. The Pioneer and Apollo went to the long side where the wind was stronger. At the returning goal the Aurora still held on to its lead followed by the Apollo and falling behind was the Blue Haze and Pioneer. With spinnakers removed the Apollo overtook the Aurora briefly, both headed towards the 'hole'. Luckily for the Aurora it clipped the edge only requiring a short tack across before crossing the finish line ahead of the Apollo. The Pioneer hit a rock at the returning goal turning the boat before the sailor adjusted its settings. The sails flapped most of the way to the shed but the boat was removed from continuing due to the lack of bowsie, its used to adjust the sails, it had disappeared along with the snapped string.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24.39, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 26.09, 3. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 34.34.

The wind for the second race became more beam so the yachts now required flat spinnakers. Again the Aurora led with the Blue Haze following. The Apollo heading towards the hole caught weed and dragged it to the far end losing loads of time. On the return the Aurora and Blue Haze were neck and neck although the Aurora had more speed and managed a small lead. The trailing Apollo managed to catch and pass the Pioneer within seconds of the finish line.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 22.21, 2. Blue Haze Kevin Paterson 23.02, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 31.11, 4. Pioneer Louise Sinclair 31.18.

An absolutely stunning bright sun shining day. The wind was very light barely making a ripple on the water. The haar would occasionally appear for a short time obscuring sight of the yachts, quickly burning off under the warm sun.

For the first race we hesitantly set off, the boats moving very slowly from the start line. The light winds sometimes makes the direction of sailing erratic. The Blue Haze fell away heading towards the 'hole' eventually resting on a rock waiting for recovery. Willie Thomson very gingerly edged his way out to the stricken vessel as this area is notorious for holes underfoot, one minute you are at thigh depth then one more step and you are past your waist, swimming with the fish. Thankfully this did not happen however the Blue Haze was removed from the race, not enough sail area. The remaining three yachts continued very slowly to the returning goal. The Apollo extracted every ounce of energy from the wind to achieve a lead, followed 5 minutes later by the Pioneer and finally within seconds of being disqualified for exceeding the maximum race time the Aurora crossed the finish line to much relief.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 46.18, 2. Pioneer Louise Sinclair 51.58, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 59.41.

The second race was started in an attempt to do a second run but the wind disappeared so we abandoned the race.

An overcast day with a fair breeze that was anything but dull. Sailing from the start line the boats were fitted with spinnakers. The whistle blew to begin the first race releasing the yachts and as the sailors exited the water the three boats collided. They remained entangled until the Apollo broke free half way down the loch. The Aurora and Blue Haze eventually separated just beyond the 'chicken' rock. Arriving at the return goal the spinnakers were removed for hopefully a single tack to the finish.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 27.57, 2. Blue Haze Kevin & Michael Paterson 29.17, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 32.32.

The second race, as before, with the sailors backs turned as they departed from the water the boats collided. This time however the Apollo escaped. The Blue Haze was knocked spinning it round, entangled with the Aurora. The Aurora on the windward side hauled both vessels to the return goal. This is the first time in memory where a boat has covered the length of the loch in reverse. When separated the race was on for second place. The Apollo with a clean run was streaks ahead and was unbeatable.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 22.34, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 32.46, 3. Blue Haze Kevin & Michael Paterson 33.05

Saturday the 21st of March was a beautiful day with a light breeze blowing from the south, each model yacht adorned their largest sails. The slow moving wind allowed the sailors to meander their way along the loch observing the flora and fauna. This week we were visited by 3 swans, numerous geese and frogs, who have been busy spawning for future generations.

The yachts headed into the wind gracefully sailing to and fro to the far end returning under spinnaker.

The first race of the day began with the Aurora commanding a lead to which it never relented. The Blue Haze nipped at its heels but never managed to pass. The Pioneer brought up the rear with a troublesome upwind leg.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie Miller 36.16, 2. Blue Haze Kevin & Michael Paterson 39.38, 3. Pioneer Louise Sinclair 45.20.

During the interval the Pioneer was adjusted to improve its performance into the oncoming wind.

The second race started with the Aurora leading followed by the improved Pioneer and the Blue Haze trailing at the rear. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Aurora chased by the Pioneer headed towards the 'hole'. The Blue Haze sailed along the short side only requiring one adjustment along the way, pipped both the Aurora and Pioneer to the finish line as the sailors recovered their vessels from the rocky shore.

Result: 1. Blue Haze Kevin & Michael Paterson 29.38, 2. Aurora Archie Miller 30.48, 3. Pioneer Louise Sinclair 32.16.

For the second event of the year for the Wick Model Yacht Club was presented with a bright, but bitter cold blustery day where on occasion the top of the waves were breaking. Each boat was fitted with their smallest sails to withstand the conditions. From the startline the wind was blowing in our faces which means the yachts would tack their way to the returning goal where spinnakers were fitted.

The whistle blew to begin the first race, the vessels released, all headed towards the short shore, each requiring tacks sailing from side to side each time progressing that bit further down the loch towards the returning goal. A well trimmed Aurora kept the chasing Apollo at bay while the Blue Haze with a slower pace was left behind. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Aurora maintained the gap to achieve first place.

Result: 1 Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 29.16, 2 Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 30.00, 3 Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson 34.41

The second race was a better race with each of the boats sailing neck and neck the length and breadth of the loch to the returning goal. On the return the Aurora obtained a lead, ahead of both the Apollo and Blue Haze. But the lead was diminished when the Aurora entered the 'hole'. To escape the spinnaker was swapped on to the opposite side. At the 'point' the spinnaker was returned to the original side for the Aurora to continue to the finish line. The time lost by this, allowed the Apollo to catch and overtake the spinnaker swapping Aurora with only four seconds separating them at the finish.

Result: 1 Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 26.41, 2 Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 26.45, 3 Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson 27.29

The Wick Model Yacht Club has begun its 2015 season with a slow start. Each yacht was fitted with their largest sails to capture what light wind that was available. For a first day back at the sailing it was a perfect day, light winds, slow pace and beautiful sunshine.

From the startline the boats headed into the wind, the gaining tack, towards the shed. At the shore they were turned on to the losing tack. This sequence was repeated several times until spinnakers were fitted at the returning goal for a short shore hugging run to the finish line.

From the outset of the first race the Aurora was leading with the Blue Haze in pursuit, the Apollo with a slack mainsail was lagging behind. Tacking back and forth the Aurora was first to the returning goal with the spinnaker fitted it began its return leg, followed by the Blue Haze with the Apollo trailing. As the vessels progressed on the return the Blue Haze slowly closed in on the lead. The Aurora with numerous adjustments at the shore lost time allowing the continuously moving Blue Haze to inch closer. At the 'point' just outside the finish line the lead changed with only seven seconds separating the two.

Result: 1 Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson 46.27, 2 Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 46.34, 3 Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 53.30

The second race with a much improved Apollo led from the start maintaining a healthy lead throughout the race. The wind had increased improving the speed through the water which is reflected in the reduction of the race times by almost twenty minutes.

Result: 1 Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 27.39, 2 Blue Haze sailed by Kevin Paterson 31.44, 3 Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller 33.28