Today was breezy which was a welcome relief compared to the past few weeks of light winds. Each of the boats were fitted with their smallest sails. From the startline the model yachts headed into the oncoming wind. The weeds at the mouth of the goal did not hamper progress as it has. The Apollo not sailing as high had to be turned at the shed whereas the BlueHaze sailing high and slow almost went from end to end before returning with a spinnaker fitted to its starboard side. The BlueHaze coasted down the loch following the short shore to the finish line. The Apollo continued to struggle its way tacking to and fro numerous times towards the halfway point before returning with its spinnaker fitted.

Result: 1.BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 26:48, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 43:24

The final race of the season, together they set off, a slight shift to the wind and an improved Apollo meant they were side by side. As they progressed the BlueHaze had a slight advantage moving quicker, it was first to the halfway point with its spinnaker fitted and a mishap backfilling allowed the Apollo catch up. Side by side they sailed half way home and the nudged each other without entanglement. After this the BlueHaze seemed to catch the wind to pull away from the Apollo.

Result: 1.BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:17, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 30:00

Another race day with light winds rather than a steady breeze it was patchy with 3 or 4 wind direction changes over the length of the loch. From the start the boat headed to the point to avoid the weeds at the mouth of the goal from there with a wind shift they sailed away from the short shore heading towards the Chicken rock before changing again towards the short shore at the burn. The Aurora seemed to do everything right being in the right place at the right time catching the wind avoiding tacking bar one all the way to the returning goal. The following Apollo not as lucky lost time with an extra tack. On the return leg with spinnakers fitted the variable wind created more uncertainty the boats followed the short shore before heading towards the Hole then onwards to the finish. As this was going on ahead the BlueHaze with its mast in the wrong position and smaller sail area struggled to make much headway into the wind. With numerous tacks and a mast position change we made it to the halfway point.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Graham Robertson 34.01, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 38.02, 3. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 57.20.

The second race where everyone now knew what to expect was more predictable so the racing was tighter.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 29.13, 2. Aurora Archie & Graham Robertson 31.02, 3. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 31.21.

Saturday was very light winds blowing towards the startline each vessel was fitted with its largest sails. From the start we headed into the oncoming wind negotiating the weeds at the mouth of the goal before reaching the shore at the shed where the boats were turned onto the losing tack. At this stage the Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam began to fall behind trying several times to progress down the loch. Further ahead the Aurora hugged the long side whilst the BlueHaze sailed by Kevin & Lewis Paterson not sailing as high tacked several times back and forth trying to reach the halfway point before returning, the effort was abandoned. The only boat to make the halfway point was the Aurora with its spinnaker fitted it easily made the return leg.

Result 1. Aurora Archie Miller & Graham Robertson 45.20.

Cancelled

foggy day

Result: 1.Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam, 3. BlueHaze Lewis Paterson

A bright day with light winds top suits and spinnakers were fitted for the race start. The Apollo and Aurora with spinnakers on the starboard and the BlueHaze on the port. The outward bound leg was evenly contested with the wind strength increasing driving each along the short side. As they progressed to the returning goal the BlueHaze held a small lead. On the return with spinnakers removed a single tack was required at the Hole. The wind strength posed a problem for the Aurora so it was removed from the race.

Result: 1.BlueHaze Lewis Paterson 37.51, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 42.35

As before the BlueHaze took the early lead with its port fitted spinnaker sailing down the middle of the loch whereas the others requiring adjustment on the short shore. On the return the BlueHaze ahead of the chasing Auruora had to tack across from the shed to the Hole allowing the Aurora to pass into first position. The trailing Apollo was overwhelmed by the wind strength on the spinnaker run hampering its progress.

Result: 1.Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 29.36, 2. BlueHaze Lewis Paterson 31.37, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 36.51

The Wick Model Yacht Club held the annual InterCounty Challenge sailing against the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club competing eight races over two days. This event took place over the MayDay weekend of the 29th & 30th of April.

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

• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• BlueHaze sailed by Lewis & Michael Paterson
• Apollo sailed by Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson

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

• Highlander sailed by Alan Walls
• Rhiannon sail by Stuart Inkster

both were supported by Bill Drever who has attended every event for the past 29years

The model yachts were fitted with their smallest sails for the breezy conditions. From the startline the vessels sailed into the oncoming wind requiring tacks to reach the halfway point whereupon the Wick boats were fitted with spinnakers for the return leg and the Orcadians adjusted their vane gear.

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The sailing was close as we began but the Highlander began to stretch a lead being the first to arrive at the halfway point. The Apollo required a tack as it ran slightly slack with the Rhiannon following. The Aurora picked up weed slowing progress whilst the BlueHaze sailing too high, flapped occasionally, was slow. On the return the leading Highlander was heading for the Hole however a change in the wind drove it towards the finishing line to complete its journey.

Result: 1. Highlander 25.38, 2. Apollo 28.01, 3. Rhiannon 30.39, 4. BlueHaze 33.17, 5. Aurora 36.25.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

Each of the yachts sailed directly down the centre of the loch following the Aurora, apart from the BlueHaze running slightly slack which required a tack at the burn. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Aurora maintained its position ahead of the wandering Highlander which closed as the Aurora was dragged around the Point towards the finish.

Result: 1. Aurora 22.12, 2. Highlander 23.17, 3. Apollo 25.10, 4. BlueHaze 26.42.

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

The Aurora as before began by leading the race but at the halfway point the Apollo equalised. No tacks were required this time as the wind changed direction. On the return the vessels followed the short shore requiring minor tweaks along the way. The Apollo and Highlander were neck and neck as they pulled away from the others. Almost at the finish the Aurora had to be dragged round the Point whereas the Highlander sailed easily across the finish line. The Rhiannon landed in the hole allowing the trailing BlueHaze to pass.

Result: 1. Highlander 22.40, 2. Apollo 22.49, 3. Aurora 24.33, 4. BlueHaze 29.58, 5 Rhiannon 32.16.

Fourth race - 2nd Leg of Quatercentenary Cup

The Rhiannon got off to a very good start but didn't hold the lead for long as the quicker moving boats behind passed by. The Apollo eked out in front on the return following the short shore towards the finish line chased by the Aurora. The remaining three had their own battle vying for position.

Result: 1. Apollo 24.07, 2. Aurora 27.17, 3. Rhiannon 29.17, 4. Highlander 29.32, 5. BlueHaze 30.07.

Saturday concluded as follows:

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. Highlander 12points
2. Apollo 10
3. Rhiannon 6
4. Aurora 6
5. BlueHaze 6

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Aurora 11points
2. Apollo 10
3. Highlander 8
4. BlueHaze 5
5. Rhiannon 4

Sundays weather was much the same as Saturday but with slightly stronger winds. Day one of our two day event had fast race times but todays conditions favoured even quicker times. Our fleet was reduced by one vessel Rhiannon was removed to prevent further damage, the hull began to split due the impacts with the lochs rocky shoreline.

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

From the start all the boats healed on their starboard side sailing towards the burn where they tacked except the BlueHaze which was sailing slower but higher. The BlueHaze behind now matched the others as they tacked towards the halfway point. On the return with spinnakers fitted to the starboard side the BlueHaze meandered down the loch marginally ahead. The Apollo, Aurora & Highlander were neck and neck as they approached the finishing line. The Aurora sailed straight across the line whilst the Apollo slacker had to be dragged around the Point and the Highlander tighter had a time consuming recovery from the Hole.

Result: 1. BlueHaze 25.21, 2. Aurora 26.56, 3. Apollo 26.59, 4. Highlander 27.06.

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

On the return the Aurora and Apollo were side by side as they approached the shed. The Aurora passed by whereas the Apollo hitting the shore was tightened in an attempt to avoid the oncoming Point. The Aurora now ahead landed at the Point to be dragged round the little headland. The Apollo caught up clipping the edge of the headland easily redirected to continue to the finish with the Aurora only a few seconds behind.

Result: 1. Apollo 21.36, 2. Aurora 21.42, 3. BlueHaze 23.20, 4. Highlander 24.32.

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

As the race started the Apollo got away cleanly however the Aurora hit the stern of the Highlander turning both. The turned Aurora blocked the path of the BlueHaze which slammed into its side. Once recovered normal service was resumed. The Aurora moving quickly caught and passed the leading Apollo.

Result: 1. Aurora 23.29, 2. Apollo 24.25, 3. BlueHaze 30.01, 4. Highlander 37.50.

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The last race of our weekend also had the the fastest finishing time we have seen all season. On the return leg the BlueHaze and Aurora with spinnakers fitted to the starboard side were neck and neck all the way to the finish line. The Highlander also had a clean run whilst the Apollo landed in the Hole.

Result: 1. BlueHaze 20.37, 2. Aurora 20.46, 3. Highlander 26.32, 4. Apollo 35.25.

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Aurora 11points
2. BlueHaze 10
3. Apollo 9
4. Highlander 6

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. BlueHaze 10points
2. Aurora 10
3. Apollo 9
4. Highlander 7

The trophies awarded and races won during this MayDay event were spread amongst the competitors not one vessel was dominant. The overall winner with the most accumulated points was shared between the Apollo and Aurora.

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Apollo 38
2. Aurora 38
3. Highlander 33
4. BlueHaze 31
5. Rhiannon 10

Bill Drever Cup - best Orcadian vessel

1. Highlander 33
2. Rhiannon 10

Each model yacht was fitted with its mid sized sails from the startline we began with balloon spinnakers attached to the port side. The Apollo and BlueHaze with the help of a slight wind shift and large spinnakers were blown towards the long side. The Aurora fared better with its smaller spinnaker following the short shore. At the Chicken rock the BlueHaze had its mainsail tightened to reach the halfway point the following Apollo was not so successful requiring several adjustments. The Aurora was first at the returning goal to have its spinnaker removed closely followed by the BlueHaze. At the burn the BlueHaze managed to pass and stretch a small lead ahead of the Aurora.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 23.31, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24.51, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 30.44

For the second race the wind shifted becoming more beam requiring the boats to be fitted with flat spinnakers. The BlueHaze took the early lead everyone followed the short side. On the return the BlueHaze removed its flat spinnaker however the Aurora and Apollo swapped theirs to the starboard side. The BlueHaze maintained its lead but it was running slack and landed in the Hole the time lost allowed the chasers to pass.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24.54, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 25.05, 3. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 26.16

A breezy day with the wind blowing across the loch. This beam wind requires each of the model yachts to be fitted with a flat spinnaker to help running at right angles to the wind direction. The Apollo and BlueHaze employed midsized sails whilst the Aurora chose their smallest set. The BlueHaze running slack headed towards the Chicken rock with one adjustment it reached the returning goal. The Apollo and Aurora followed the short shore with multiple tweaks they fell behind. With the flat spinnaker swapped to the port side the BlueHaze continued to stretch its lead with a single touch on the short shore it crossed the finish line. Both the Apollo followed by the Aurora landed in the Hole prior to finishing.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 20.44, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 27.55, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 35.17

The second race saw the BlueHaze again take the lead but this time the Apollo was hot on hits stern. The wind eased and the Aurora fell behind with an accidental backfill it returned to the start whereupon it was removed. On the return the Apollo was much faster than the leading BlueHaze which it caught and passed however it was running slack and it ended up in the Hole. The BlueHaze continued following the short side straight to the finish line.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 22.13, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 30.00

The sailing season has been lucky this year so far with only one day of rain, today did not disappoint either another sunny day with a good breeze each of the model yachts were fitted with mid-sized sails. From the off the yachts sailed into the oncoming wind tacking to and fro to the returning goal. On the return with spinnakers fitted to their port side they hugged the short shore to the finish. As we began the Apollo took a marginal lead ahead of the Aurora both followed the same line down the loch. The BlueHaze sailing higher on a different line was slower. On the return the Apollo meandered following the long shore before pulling in towards the goal. The following Aurora gave way to the BlueHaze which was gaining on the leading Apollo reducing its lead to end with a close finish.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam 26.19, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 26.40, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 32.36

The Aurora had a very good sailing line, very high only requiring a single tack to reach the returning goal. The BlueHaze not sailing quite as high had to tack twice effectively sailing a further distance. The Apollo struggled with lightened wind speed tacking numerous times in a effort to reach the returning goal. It was removed as time was running out of the one hour time limit. On the return the Aurora required continuous adjustment each tweak costs time allowing the BlueHaze to catch. At the Point just outside of the finishing line the BlueHaze nipped in ahead of the Aurora crossing the finish line with just 12seconds to spare.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 30.17, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 30.29

Another sunny day with a good breeze each of the model yachts were fitted with mid-sized sails. The BlueHaze headed the fleet as we to and fro'd our way to the returning goal. With spinnakers fitted to their port side the three model yachts were nose to tail as they made their way towards the finishing line. The Aurora headed to the Hole the BlueHaze down the centre and the Apollo shadowing the short shore it was anyones guess as to who would come out on top. As we approached the end the BlueHaze crossed the line just ahead of the Apollo. The Aurora lost out as it negotiated its way out of the Hole.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 31.00, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 31.31, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 33.50

The second race began as the first with the boats gently tacking from side to side. The weather took a turn for the worse as we returned. The wind strength increased and changed direction luckily when this happened the BlueHaze was on the short shore with the spinnaker removed and the mainsail slackened the yacht continued towards the finish line. The Aurora and Apollo were not as fortunate still with spinnakers fitted the wind overpowered the vessels pushing them towards the Hole. The Aurora first to hit the shore suffered a broken mast stub which ultimately reduced mast stablity and the mast buckled. The chasing Apollo persevered and negotiated the Hole to complete the race.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 33.53, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 44.06

A beautiful sunny day with a decent breeze blowing. Each of the model yachts were fitted with their mid-sized sails. From the startline the Apollo and Aurora sailed into the oncoming wind towards the short shore. The BlueHaze chose the opposing route crossing paths. As we progressed the Aurora began to trail sailing to high occassionally going into irons. At the half way point the leading Apollo fitted its spinnaker for the return leg which it followed the short shore. The BlueHaze moving quickly had a cleaner run requiring less adjustments passed Apollo to finish in the lead.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 28.07, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 29.16, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 35.15

The second race began with all vessels sailing on the same path towards the long shore. The wind eased slightly causing the Apollo to slow marginally undersailed. The Aurora however was sailing better than ever quickly stretching a lead. On the return with spinnakers fitted the leading Aurora collided numerous times with the short shore allowing the BlueHaze to close the gap to pass. The Apollo with its large spinnaker picked up the pace also managed to pass the Aurora.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 28.48, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 33.36, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 34.29

First race

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 29.52, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 36.21

Second race

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 28.53, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 30.53

In contrast to the previous weekend today we had a beautiful day with light winds and sunshine. To begin the race the whistle blew sailing into the oncoming wind the Firewood stretched quite a lead ahead of the others. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Firewood which was trialling vane gear struggled at the chicken rock. Each time it was adjusted and released the vane gear dominated the sail settings returning the boat to the shore. Fortunately for the Apollo and Aurora the release and return occurred repeatly and they sailed passed to take first and second place.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam 41.00, 2. Aurora Archie Miller 49.00, 3. Firewood Kevin & Lewis Paterson 52.00

The second race started with the Firewood again stretching a lead but this time the Aurora was hot on its heels. The lighter winds forced the removal of the Apollo from the race. On the return leg with spinnakers fitted the Firewood continued to struggle with the vane gear settings and the Aurora sailed passed into first position.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie Miller 41.48, 2. Firewood Kevin & Lewis Paterson 44.39

Today the beginning of our 2017 season brought rain lots of rain. Chasing the model yachts to and fro around Sarclet loch the sailors were drenched.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 22.04, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25.14

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam & Willie Thomson 24.24, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 30.00