The final racing session of the 2018 season. An overcast day with light winds gave the sailors a relaxing end to the years sailing with an easy stroll around Sarclet Loch. As the grass in the garden grows so does the plant life in the loch. Briefly after we released the yachts for the penultimate race they came to a barrier of pond weed, moving very slowly the boats pushed their way through into clear water before arriving at the shed for adjustment. The Apollo and RestlessWave persisted with flat spinnakers whereas the BlueHaze and Aurora removed them as the vessels continually required adjustment on the short shore. At the burn the boats sailed over towards the long side prior to entering the returning goal. On the return the yachts meandered following the variable wind direction. The Apollo with its flat spinnaker extended its lead to claim first position.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam 42:14, 2. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 46:47, 3. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 50:11, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 50:56.

During the interval we were fortunate that the wind speed increased albeit marginally but it was enough so everyone could use flat spinnakers. The yachts were quicker and more evenly matched but spread out across the width of the loch. On the return the Aurora ahead had a good run to the finish line. The RestlessWave moving slower was passed by the BlueHaze at the shed losing its position and the Apollo was less fortunate having to be recovered from the Hole.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 35:22, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 39:06, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 40:09, 4. Apollo Donald McWilliam 44:33.

Overall, this years winner was the BlueHaze with the most accrued points and the fastest race time went to the RestlessWave in 23:39.

Tall sails, light wind

1st race

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:56, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 31:44, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 40:09, 4. BlueHaze Lewis Paterson 40:37.

2nd race

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:39, 2. BlueHaze Lewis Paterson 26:35, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 26:48, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:10.

Its been quite remarkable this year so far the pace of the model yachts have been relatively slow, the repetitive light winds has meant a pleasant walk each week around Sarclet loch. Today again we have adopted the largest sails. As we prepared the vessels at the shed before making our way to the startline the wind almost beam required the boats to be fitted with flat spinnakers. However the wind quickly changed direction so we began the race with balloon spinnakers. The BlueHaze took an early lead initially sailing towards the short shore before following the wind over to the long side. The RestlessWave running slacker with its small spinnaker continued on the short shore. On the return with spinnakers removed the BlueHaze with its small lead soon saw it quickly diminish as the quicker moving RestlessWave sailed by to grab the win.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:50, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:36.

The second race of the day saw the Haar roll in across the water fortunately it wasn't dense enough to lose sight of the yachts. The RestlessWave now sporting a larger spinnaker had a much quicker outward bound leg to complete the race distance several minutes faster than the previous race. The BlueHaze out-paced finshed the race with the exact same time as before.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:15, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:36.

The day began with indecision, which sail size to use for the conditions? We all settled on mid-sized sails but as the model yachts departed from the start line it was obvious we were all undersailed as the wind strength eased. Pace was slow as the vessels tacked to and fro the RestlessWave took the lead ahead of the BlueHaze and Aurora. At the halfway point balloon spinnakers where fitted to the port side of the yachts. As we passed the burn approaching the shed the wind had changed direction the RestlessWave ahead took it in its stride but the BlueHaze backfilled to sail slowly over to the Hole. The Aurora behind had seen what occurred and swapped the spinnaker to starboard continuing at speed gaining a position.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 35:57, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 37:42, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 42:13.

For the second race everyone increased sail size the Aurora sailing high extended a small lead. The RestlessWave pointing too high would occasionally flap in the wind losing speed. On the return with spinnakers fitted to the starboard side the BlueHaze requiring less attention was gaining on the Aurora. At the shed the two vessels were side by side the Aurora with one final adjustment and a full balloon spinnaker picked up the pace to cross the finish line.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 34:53, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 35:19, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 39:48.

The model yachts tacking into the wind passed the shed and onwards to the Chicken rock before the wind dropped. Fortunately for the BlueHaze it was in the right place at the right time and managed on pass through the doldrums unaffected. The Apollo & RestlessWave however with the very light wind lost the balance between the sails and hull to drift back to the startline eventually to abandon the race. The BlueHaze continued fitted a spinnaker and completed the distance.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 49:36.

After the interval the second race was more favourable to all competitors as the wind had increased. The balance was restored for a more competitive race.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 31:23, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 33:05, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:37.

The Wick Model Yacht Club held the annual MayDay event with 8 races held over two days. Normally a competition against a group of sailors from the Kirkwall Model Yacht Club but unfortunately this year the Orcadians could not attend. Each days racing began at 11am going through to 4pm in the afternoon. Saturday a beautiful bright day with a good breeze blowing requiring small sails. On Sunday it was cooler and overcast with light winds so top suits were fitted.

Contenders:

• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• BlueHaze sailed by Kevin & Lewis Paterson
• RestlessWave sailed by Graham & Adam Robertson

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

Sailing into the oncoming wind both the BlueHaze & RestlessWave set off on the port tack whilst the Aurora choosing different tactics began on the starboard tack. Heading to the pier the Aurora moving quickly matches pace with the RestlessWave. The BlueHaze close hauled sailing very high was slower. At the halfway point the Aurora & RestlessWave together fitted balloon spinnakers on their starboard & port sides respectively. The RestlessWave continued until it landed in the Hole. The Aurora requiring a spinnaker swap then followed the short shore requiring multiple adjustments slowing progress. Both situations were favourable for the BlueHaze which sailing steadily caught and passed both vessels beating them at the finish line.

Result: 1. BlueHaze, 2. RestlessWave, 3. Aurora.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

Everyone began the race on the port tack however the BlueHaze tight flipped onto the opposite tack for a long slow sail to the Chicken rock. The Aurora tacked and passed to reach the returning goal ahead of the BlueHaze with the RestlessWave behind. On the return with spinnakers fitted whilst approaching the burn Auroras lead was diminished the BlueHaze had reduced the gap and collided with it driving both to shore. The foul was quickly resolved and both continued however Auroras slower pace benefited the RestlessWave as it passed by.

Result: 1. BlueHaze, 2. RestlessWave, 3. Aurora.

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

BlueHaze with slacker sails compared to the first two races was now moving quickly extending an early lead. The Aurora surprisingly began to struggle continually pirouetting barely able to leave the startline so its race was abandoned. The rudder normally fixed straight unknowingly was knocked causing the boat to sail in circles. The RestlessWave was sailing high but slow was off the pace and the BlueHaze had an uncontested run to the finish.

Result: 1. BlueHaze , 2. RestlessWave.

Fourth race - 2nd Leg of Quatercentenary Cup

For the final race of the day all boats were sailing together however the BlueHaze was sailing somewhat higher. The others tacked at the Chicken rock whilst the Bluehaze tacked just beyond. On the losing tack the wind had dropped the Aurora and RestlessWave slowed whilst the BlueHaze further extended its lead. On the return the wind increased, waves were now showing signs of white horses on their peaks. The BlueHaze sailed steadily to the finish whilst RestlessWave oversailed meandered as it sailed into the Hole. The Aurora with an unhooked flapping spinnaker had lost its spinnaker pole overboard and was unable to complete the race.

Result: 1. BlueHaze, 2. RestlessWave.

At the end of day one the points were as follows:

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. BlueHaze 12points
2. RestlessWave 10
3. Aurora 4

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. BlueHaze 12points
2. RestlessWave 10
3. Aurora 4

Sunday

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

Today with light winds behind us at the startline all vessels had fitted balloon spinnakers as they sailed down the loch at a very slow pace. The BlueHaze continually needing adjustment on the short shore due to an oversized spinnaker had it replaced with a flat whereupon it sailed across to the long side. The Aurora persevered with the balloon continuing to the halfway point. For the return journey the Aurora fitted a flat spinnaker initially following the short shore but as we both proceded towards the finish the wind increased and both landed in the Hole. Only seconds separated them as they crossed the finish line.

Result: 1. Aurora, 2. BlueHaze.

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

The BlueHaze with a flat spinnaker fitted sailed from goal to goal whereas the Aurora with a balloon spinnaker had continuous adjustments on the short side losing time. On the return with a small balloon spinnaker fitted the BlueHaze maintained its lead despite removing it to complete the race for a slow finish. The Aurora behind with a flat spinnaker couldn’t keep pace.

Result: 1. BlueHaze, 2. Aurora.

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

Throughout the day the wind had been unpredictable from light gusts to areas with no wind but for this race the wind had dropped. The BlueHaze clearly undersailed was very slow the Aurora with a larger sail area faired better with its flat spinnaker sailing more consistently and marginally quicker. On the return with flat spinnakers the Aurora with a significant lead headed to the Hole as did the BlueHaze some minutes later. A clear win for the Aurora.

Result: 1. Aurora, 2. BlueHaze.

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

Cancelled due to lack of wind

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Aurora 12points
2. BlueHaze 10

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. BlueHaze 6points
2. Aurora 5

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. BlueHaze 40points
2. Aurora 25
3. RestlessWave 20

Today was a very pleasant day for sailing the water was warm the sun shining and a favourable breeze blowing. The wind was behind our backs from the startline so each model yacht had balloon spinnakers fitted. As we begun the vessels were evenly matched but with a couple of minor adjustments on the short side the BlueHaze gained a small lead ahead of the Apollo and Aurora. At the returning goal we attached flat spinnakers for the slightly off beam wind but these were removed as we reached the burn the wind was flowing from a different direction and the sails needed hauled in. Nearing the shed the yachts began to move away towards the opposite shore. The Apollo just behind the BlueHaze was tightened too much and began sailing slowly towards the Hole allowing the Aurora to pass.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:07, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 27:32, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 30:20

The second race as before saw the BlueHaze achieve a small lead as it and the Apollo sailed from end to end, the Aurora had one touch on the long side before entering the returning goal. On the return no flat spinnakers were fitted the boats sailed towards the longside before turning, following the wind, to the opposite short shore where the Apollo again was overtightened and progressed towards the Hole. The trailing Aurora sailing quickly closed the gap to pass the Apollo and almost caught the BlueHaze which finished the race in the fastest time this season.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 23:50, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24:40, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 28:20

Today the boats were evenly matched despite the light winds top suits fitted. One long tack was possible from end to end the wind would bend along the coastal side of the loch. From the startline boats would sail towards the shed before being drawn towards the long side onto the returning goal. The Aurora began with an early lead but the BlueHaze and Apollo passed by for a quick attachment of a balloon spinnaker for the return leg of the journey.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:25, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 26:26, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 26:50

The second race began equally with a small gap between each vessel. The BlueHaze and Aurora sailed bow to stern arriving at the halfway point together. The BlueHaze got away first closely followed by the Aurora as the Apollo arrived. Following the short shore they approached the shed for their final adjustment before the finish line. As the BlueHaze was released the spinnaker inexplicably unhooked and the boat sailed slowly across to the Hole. The Aurora took the opportunity to take the win. The Apollo tight sailed to the long side hit a stone and backfilled before anyone could reach it.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 26:46, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 28:28

A beautiful sunny day with a very light breeze each of the competing vessels were rigged with top suits. The Aurora was very fortunate as it sailed from the startline catching the brief puffs of wind to reach the halfway point. The remaining fleet continued to try to make some headway sailing to and fro but with no joy. As the Aurora returned under spinnaker each vessel abandoned the race hoping the wind speed would increase for the next race.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 37:33

The second race was much more successful for everyone with the increased wind strength. The Aurora the fastest moving of all the model yachts maintained a healthy lead all the way to the finish.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 33:06, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 35:07, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 39:58, 4. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 42:51

We began sailing into the oncoming wind first towards the shed then over to the longside landing around the Chicken rock before continuing to tack to and fro to the returning goal where spinnakers were attached for the return along the short shore. The wind was fair and steady requiring each model yacht to be fitted with their largest sails. The BlueHaze and Apollo were closely matched although the BlueHaze had a slight advantage sailing higher into the wind missing the Chicken rock while the others landed on the rocky shoreline just prior to the Chicken rock causing difficulty. On the return the BlueHaze now with a substantial lead sailed along the short shore to the finish. The direction of the wind was troublesome for the Apollo allowing the Aurora to close the gap.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:47, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 33:25, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 34:53.

During the interval the wind dropped to a slight breeze as we prepared to begin the second race the wind swung 180degrees behind us, we quickly added spinnakers before setting off. The Apollo and Aurora overly tight headed towards the Hole on the longside. The BlueHaze fairing better with a couple of adjustments along the way reached the halfway point removing the spinnaker for its return journey. As the others reached the returning goal the BlueHaze had tacked its way up the loch until the wind almost stopped blowing. The fortunate Apollo and Aurora were recovered at the goal but the BlueHaze drifted back the way it had travelled very slowly. The race had to be abandoned for another day.

All competitors began the race with their largest sails and spinnakers fitted following the short shore each were evenly matched as they sailed to the returning goal. The RestlessWave was first to arrive replacing the balloon with a flat spinnaker for the return. The others removed their balloon spinnakers and tightened the sails for a quick turnaround. The Apollo coming from the rear of the pack had quickly passed everyone for a clear run to the finish. The RestlessWave bounced along the shoreline wasting time as the flat spinnaker continually blew the boat to shore as the BlueHaze passed. Eventually removing it to stay ahead of the Aurora.

Result: 1. Apollo Donald McWilliam 25:52 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 27:54, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:33, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:00.

The second race started cleanly for the RestlessWave and Apollo however the BlueHaze and Aurora collided at the shed. As each model yacht continued the wind blew them towards the opposite shore where the Aurora and Apollo were hampered by the rocky shoreline at the Chicken rock. The BlueHaze and RestlessWave headed nose to tail all the way to the finish line.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:45 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 34:57, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 37:40, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 44:16.

Saturday was a bright sunny day with a cool breeze, we began by sailing with midsized sails initially moving towards the short shore before a wind shift halfway down the loch pulled the boats towards the long side. As the race began the RestlessWave moving quickly began to command a lead ahead of the Apollo. The BlueHaze however cut across the bow of the Aurora causing a collision returning both to the startline. Once corrected and back on track there was quite a gap between the yachts. At the halfway point we fitted balloon spinnakers for the return leg. The RestlessWave ahead with a flapping spinnaker was sailing marginally slower as the BlueHaze and Aurora passed the Apollo to reduce the gap.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 24:21, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:08, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 26:54, 4. Apollo Donald McWilliam 38:45.

The veering wind had settled down for the second race which now required flat spinnakers to maintain direction control. As the first race the RestlessWave led the fleet although they were close behind. On the return the Aurora and BlueHaze once again fouled, as we waited for the drifting vessels to return to shore we watched the RestlessWave disappear into the distance.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:20, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:21, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 30:20, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:57.

A bitterly cold day with a strong wind blowing, each model yacht was fitted with their smallest sails. The Apollo began the race cleanly whereas the Aurora & BlueHaze barely passed the startline when they fouled. The Aurora like a boomerang spun around returning to its release point. The BlueHaze fell away towards the shed but fortunately this actually helped. As the model yachts progressed down the loch the wind bending around the ‘chicken rock’ area drew them from the short shore to the long side. Subsequently each requiring adjustment prior to entering the returning goal. With balloon spinnakers fitted the BlueHaze took the lead followed closely by the Aurora as they progressed along the short shore towards the finish. The trailing Apollo with erratic to’ing & fro’ing meandered across the finish line.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:13, 2. Aurora Archie Miller 26:28, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 27:34

During the race interval we began to realise just how cold it was. The wind dispersing water from the wave tops on to the rashes at the lochside to form icicles. The sails on the model yachts also had signs of ice forming on their surface something none of us had seen before. The ice was removed as we began the second race, as before the boats followed along the short shore then drawn towards the long side as they approached the returning goal. The return saw the BlueHaze and Aurora follow the short shore with a meandering Apollo completing the fleet.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:17, 2. Aurora Archie Miller 26:39, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 27:57

Our sailing season continued this week, the previous weekend had to be called off due to the bad weather. Although adverse weather conditions normally don’t prevent us from sailing it does when the loch is partially frozen.

With a decent breeze the boats were rigged with midsized sails and fitted with flat spinnakers to compensate for the beam wind blowing across the loch. From the startline the Apollo pulled ahead of the BlueHaze briefly, but it kept pointing into the wind requiring more adjustments. As they both progressed along the long shore the BlueHaze passed as they continued to the far end. At the halfway point the flat spinnakers were swapped to the opposite side of the boat for the return leg. As they both approached the finish line both vessels landed in the 'hole' before negotiating their way to the finish.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 31:33, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 33:49

For the second race the Apollo decided to sail with a larger flat spinnaker to improve direction control and it certainly helped as the race times had reduced. Both vessels had avoided the dreaded ‘hole’ to complete the race distance much quicker.

Result: 1. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 24:08, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 26:21

A new season for the Wick Model Yacht club has begun Saturday it was bright, dry and blustery but on the hands, as adjustments were made to the yachts, it was bitterly cold. The race began with a whistle blow, the yachts sailing into the oncoming wind headed towards the shed before tacking back and forth as they progressed down the loch. The Apollo and Aurora travelling at a similar pace began to part ways as the higher sailing Apollo eeked ahead. The slower moving BlueHaze chasing at the rear of the fleet. On the return leg with spinnakers fitted the lead gained by the now erraticly meandering Apollo diminished as the steady sailing Aurora caught and passed into first position.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 25:26, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 28:42, 3. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 37:10

The second race started equally for all, the BlueHaze with an adjusted mast position was now keeping pace. Just beyond the shed they all tacked towards the long side of the loch where the Apollo had difficulty traversing the shoreline around to the Chicken rock which wasted lots of time. On the return again the steady sailing Aurora stretched its lead away from the others.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 28:24, 2. BlueHaze Kevin & Lewis Paterson 30:37, 3. Apollo Donald McWilliam 36:24