The final days sailing of our short season was overcast with a fair breeze blowing from the west almost beam across the loch. Eight boats began with mid sized sails and either a flat or small balloon spinnaker fitted to the starboard side. Each boat set off at 10second intervals progressing along the short shore jostling for position. Kindling gaining on Skua collided and returned to the startline. Skua more fortunate continued but headed towards the long side requiring adjustment. Restlesswave moving quickly through the fleet gained the lead. At the returning goal Restlesswave turned and swapped the spinnaker on to the other side sailing at speed it continued to extend its lead. Bluehaze, Pioneer and Valhalla in pursuit could not close the gap. So they had their own close race to the end. Valhalla unfortunately landed in the Hole allowing Kindling and Skua to gain a position as it was recovered.

1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 26:42, 2. BlueHaze Michael & Kelly Paterson 31:28, 3. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 31:36, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 34:56, 5. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 36:09, 6. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 39:19

The final race of the season was similar to the first with each boat adopting either a flat or balloon spinnaker. The wind eased but the sailing became tighter. On the return leg Aurora had pace but was closely followed by the Pioneer both clipping the edge of the Hole and had to be turned onto the loosing tack allowing Restlesswave and Kindling to catch. Valhalla deep in the Hole had a long tack towards the shed just behind. Unfortunately for the Pioneer its jib unhooked causing the boat to flounder and ultimately be removed from racing. Restlesswave and Kindling sailing higher and slower still could not jump ahead of the Aurora which retained its lead to complete the race.

1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 28:51, 2. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 29:13, 3. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:34, 4. Valhalla Sandy Bremner & Michael Duffy 36:48

A beautiful sunny day with light winds. Top suits were fitted to the model yachts. As we began in 10seconds intervals the first people to release their boats were sailing high, so Kindling and Skua slackened slightly to compensate but as we all sailed beyond the Point it became apparent it was not a good idea both now requiring a long tack. The others led by Valhalla progressed way beyond the shed before tacking towards the long shore. On their long tack towards the returning goal the wind dropped, Valhalla was fortunate to continue albeit slowly Aurora and Pioneer suffered drifting back down the loch. Fortunately for the trailing Kindling and Skua the wind continued to flow both were at the Chicken rock sailing and closing the gap to the leaders. On the return with a spinnaker fitted Valhalla pulled away from the following RestlessWave. Skua taking full advantage of the light winds was sailing steadily and gained several positions to eventually compete for the lead with the Valhalla. Aurora and Pioneer did not make the one hour time limit.

Result: 1. Valhalla Sandy Bremner & Michael Duffy 41:20, 2. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 41:31, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson & Cory Macleod 43:37, 4. Kindling Kevin & Reubern Paterson 50:32.

Second race, from the onset Aurora commanded the lead sailing well as it was first to the returning goal to attach a spinnaker for the return leg. Followed by RestlessWave, Kindling and Pioneer. Aurora and RestlessWave were running slack requiring multiple adjustments along the short shore. Kindling held a better line sailing steadily as the others lost valuable time with tweaks and managed to pass both vessels. At the shed the Aurora was tightened but the spinnaker didn't fill and it sailed to the Hole where with the low water level it struck a stone stranding the boat for several minutes as it was out of reach. Fortunately for both RestlessWave and Pioneer they gained a position.

Result: 1. Kindling Kevin Paterson & Kelly Sutherland 33:40, 2. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson & Cory Macleod 36:02, 3. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 37:15, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 38:47

Todays challenging weather consisted of fog and light winds. The race began with a head wind so we knew tacking was required for the first leg. As the boats were released the wind eased and they drifted towards the old Coronation pier. Of the seven model yachts that started some boats tacked across only to return to the start. Skua withdrew as it was undersailed. RestlessWave, Valhalla & Kindling caught a slight breeze to continue on the same tack to beyond the Chicken rock with RestlessWave leading the way. A couple of touches on the long side RestlessWave lost its momentum and drifted back down the loch. Valhalla took advantage entering the returning goal first. With spinnakers fitted to the starboard side the vessels headed off on the return leg following the short shore. Valhalla leading followed by the Kindling, the others were out of sight in the thick fog. Kindling slowly caught and passed Valhalla with only seconds to spare at the finish line.

Result: 1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 31:21, 2. Valhalla Sandy Bremner & Michael Duffy 33:08, 3. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 37:58, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 39:53, 5. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 46:00

After the interval a second race was attempted but the light winds forced everyone to abandon as no progress was acheivable.

A fresh wind blowing south, all model yachts were fitted with midsized sails and balloon spinnakers on the starboard side. With a whistle blow we set off. Restlesswave leading Aurora as they both headed towards the long shore. Kindling and Apollo tighter followed the short side. Apollo gained speed catching Aurora and they collided. Apollo turned around and Skua passed, Aurora recovered luckily continuing on the correct tack still ahead of Kindling. Restlesswave was the first on the return leg sailing high but moving slowly. Kindling and Aurora were sailing faster and managed to pass the Restlesswave however they had to turn onto the loosing tack at the Hole where RestlessWave regained the lead having sailed one long tack to the finish.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:50, 2. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 25:59, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 29:16, 4. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 31:54, 5. Apollo Shirley & Cory Macleod 37:45

As the first race, the Restlesswave was off to a strong start with Aurora on its heels, Apollo and Kindling trailing. At the returning goal the gap between vessels closed, Restlesswave first to leave but Kindling with a quick spinnaker removal reduced the gap. It caught and briefly took the lead before being passed by the fast paced Aurora. In the lee of the shed Kindling had to be slackened as the Restlesswave retook a lost position, slackened Kindling regained its pace to pass Restlesswave retaking second position. Apollo was trailing.

Result: 1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 21:14, 2. Kindling Kevin & Katie Paterson 22:38, 3. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:39, 4. Apollo Shirley & Cory Macleod 31:15

Saturday was held in rememberance of our fellow sailor Donald McWilliam. Archie & Fiona sailed the Apollo with permission of his family. A one minute silence was held before race start. With light winds and large sails everyone sailed towards the old Coronation pier then with a long tack towards the long side. At this point Skua was leading the fleet with Apollo in close pursuit, RestlessWave and Kindling were sailing high requiring less tacks. We all entered the returning goal at similar times. On the return leg with a balloon spinnaker fitted to the port side RestlessWave gained the lead by sailing along the short shore. Whereas both Kindling and Apollo suffered from a slight wind direction change both landing in the Hole.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:40, 2. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 36:01, 3. Apollo Archie & Fiona Miller 39:21, 4. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 48:19, 5. Skua David Sutherland & Sandy Bremner 53:36

The second race of the day saw the Apollo and Pioneer off to a good start ahead of Kindling and RestlessWave. However as they both approached the returning goal on opposing tacks they collided switching tack. The Apollo benefitted from the collision whilst the Pioneer fell behind to then compete side by side with the RestlessWave. Apollo first on the return leg with spinnaker on the port side pursued by Kindling. Apollo being cautious followed the short shore requiring adjustments allowing both Kindling and RestlessWave to pass.

Result: 1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 33:46, 2. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:50, 3. Apollo Archie & Fiona Miller 36:10, 4. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 41:48

Four model yachts competed in the first race with a good breeze blowing across the loch from the east, this was a dramatic change in weather compared to the previous week. The beam wind required everyone to fit midsized sails with a flat spinnaker. But as we began it became apparent that the wind direction beyond the startline was more southerly so everyone removed the spinnakers along by the shed. Once adjusted everyone followed the short shore apart from Kindling which slowly sailed towards the long side arriving last at the returning goal. On the return leg everyone fitted their flat spinnakers again with the intent to follow the short side. RestlessWave led the fleet chased by the Apollo and Aurora both following the same path each in turn clipped the edge of the Hole, Kindling however was in deep but managed to recover just infront of the Aurora.

Result: 1. RestlessWave Graham & Adam Robertson 20:33, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 20:45, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 26:27, 4. Aurora Archie Miller 26:43

The second race with only three boats began with a long tack. The Aurora choosing the short shore whilst the Apollo and Kindling sailed towards the long side. At the returning goal with small balloon spinnakers fitted the vessels began their return. On release the Aurora leading Apollo both tracked the short shore with adjustment the Apollo headed towards the Hole marginally ahead of Kindling.

The race was subsequently abandoned due to a tragic event. A valued member of the club and a dear friend had sailed his final race. Fair winds 'Tender', Donald McWilliam.

Our deepest condolences to family and friends.

With the easing of COVID restrictions the Wick Model Yacht Club enjoyed a return to sailing and with light winds it was going to be an easy stroll around Sarclet Loch, thats what we thought any way.

The first race began with each vessel fitted with their largest sails tacking towards the shed. Kindling was fortunate enough to pull away from the shore whilst the Apollo managed to sail along the short side. However, the Aurora, RestlessWave & Skua all struggled with numerous failed attempts no further progress was achieved. Apollo continued along the short shore with a few adjustments whilst Kindling proceeded towards the long side. Flat spinnakers were fitted for the return leg to both vessels. Apollo running slack followed the short shore Kindling marginally tighter landed in the Hole but both vessels were neck and neck. Negotiating its way out of the Hole Kindling just managed to pip the Apollo to the finish.

Result: 1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 54:10, 2. Apollo Donald McWilliam 54:36

After a short interval we began the second race with some adopting spinnakers as the wind continually swapped direction but as each boat departed they headed towards the shed where spinnakers were immediately removed due to another wind shift. Kindling following Apollo started sailing towards the long shore whilst RestlessWave continued along the short side. As we approached the burn another wind shift caught and reversed everyone apart from the RestlessWave. Upon recovery Kindling continued behind the RestlessWave but progress of both vessels was slow and no one completed the race within the allotted one hour race limit.