A reasonable breeze blowing in deference to the weather prediction of very light winds. Mid to large sails were fitted. The wind was blowing from the North so we began with spinnakers. Upon release it became very apparent the weeds had shot up this past week making it difficult to sail through, some vessels changed direction whilst the Skua being of shallow draft glided through unphased. Beyond the shed the Restlesswave garnered a lead, Kindling and Aurora was heading to the Long side for a tighten. As we approached the return goal Kindling was ahead. Throwing the spinnaker off for a quick turn we all tacked from the Short to Long side except for the Restlesswave sailing very high to stay on the Short side. Although every one else was a little faster they had a very long way to travel tacking to and fro. Unremarkedly the weed at the finish line would decide on the winner. Kindling, Aurora and Restlesswave were closely vieing for the win but the weed favoured the Restlesswave and it ploughed through to take first place a few seconds ahead of Aurora. Pioneer behind landed in the Hole.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 31:17, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:29, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 32:02, 4. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 33:52, 5. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 39:40

For the second race start the fleet was split Kindling and Skua on the Long side whilst Restlesswave, Pioneer and Aurora on the Short, all in an attempt to avoid as much of the weed as possible. It almost worked with everyone getting through relatively unscathed apart from Kindling which ploughed through the middle. As we all got beyond the Chicken rock. Aurora and Restlesswave were neck and neck with Pioneer on their heels. Kindling managed to gain a lead to enter the returning goal first. Throwing its spinnaker off to tack its way back, it clipped the Pioneer briefly but both managed to continue. As the race progressed again Restlesswave sailng very high with little speed hugged the Short shore crept ahead. At the shed Aurora, Pioneer & Kindling were almost side by side but again the weeds came into play and Aurora faired better.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 30:02, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 33:35, 3. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 36:10 4. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 36:32, 5. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 36:58

A breezy day requiring small sails. With the wind direction a single tack was possible from the start to the returning goal. Then with a small balloon spinnaker fitted a returning end to end run was also possible. Potentially a very fast days sailing. With a whistle blow we set off, Restlesswave leading the flotilla sailing parallel with the Short shore, Sapphire followed the same path but was slower. Whilst Kindling headed to the Long side its large jib pushing the bow preventing it from pointing into the wind. Pioneer never started the race as strings snapped as it made its way towards the startline. Restlesswave continued to extend its lead sailing directly to the end goal where it had its spinnaker fitted for the return leg. Sapphire marginally behind clipped the shore just before the goal line almost achieving an end to end run. At the goal with its vane gear turned, sails slackened it began its return journey. Kindling struggled to make it to the return goal as the over sized jib kept it on the Long side. On the return, Restlesswave was way ahead with almost an end to end run requiring a single adjustment just outside the finish line to complete its very fast run. The wind seemed to increase overpowering the Sapphire causing it to heel preventing the vane from steering the boat in the correct direction. Whilst Kindling with a balloon was moving very quickly, passing the Sapphire, but its direction wasn't great and it landed in the Hole. Changing to a flat spinnaker little progress was made before removing it completely as the wind flipped and began blowing from the opposite direction. Sapphire was eventually removed.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 18:40, 2. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 40:01

With the wind blowing from behind us now we began with flat spinnakers. Pioneer taking the early lead with an end to end run, Restlesswave had to be slackened a couple of times on the Short shore losing a little time. Kindling again fell off towards the Long side before tightening to arrive at the Short shore only to have its spinnaker removed and continue the rest of the way with slack sails. At the returning goal the Pioneer was in the lead. With its spinnaker removed and the sails slackened a little too much it headed to the Hole. Restlesswave not far behind but with a better line sailed towards the finish line for the win. Kindling just couldn't get off the Long shore so it was finally removed as it wouldn't sail into the wind.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 21:12, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 31:57

Good breeze blowing, next to top sail fitted. From the start line the sailing path involved several tacks, first to the shed then towards the Chicken rock then to the burn and finally onwards to the returning goal. Restlesswave managed, by sailing high and slowly, a single tack to enter the returning goal first. With its spinnaker fitted to its port side Restlesswave was the first to leave tightly hugging the Short shore. Kindling slack touched the Long side for a tighten still looking as though it was heading to the Hole. Kindling and Restlesswave appeared to be neck and neck although separated across the width of the loch. Unfortunately the Restlesswave backfilled whilst a wind increase redirected Kindling straight across the finish line. Aurora made good progress with a couple of touches on the Short shore passing Restlesswave as it backfilled for a second time at the Point. Sapphire fitted with vane gear wasn't sailing as high, requiring numerous adjustments on the return leg, the jib was flicked out gullwing style. Whilst attempting to pass the Chicken rock it got stuck on a rock out of reach of its sailor. Only to be recovered later with a long pole.

1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 29:06, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 32:50, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 36:12, 4. Sapphire David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 49:50.

2nd race, Restlesswave, Aurora and Kindling all closely trimmed with minor differences. Restlesswave high and quick, Aurora not so high but quick, Kindling high but slow. All very close. Sapphire as before was not sailing as high was behind. Restlesswave and Aurora entered the returning goal at same time and they left together. Restlesswave hugging the Short shore whilst Aurora down the middle. Behind was Kindling, again with a wide berth it headed towards the Hole it eventually swung in towards the finish. All three finished within 30seconds of each other with the Aurora taking the accolade. Sapphire this time had a much more successful return leg recouping some lost time by sailing straight across the finish line.

1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 28:09, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:37, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 28:45, 4. Sapphire David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 34:40.

A third week with similar winds this time favouring the Restlesswave.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 29:18, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 33:01, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 33:09, 4. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 33:19, 5. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 35:19

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:03, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 29:16, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 30:15, 4. Kindling Michael Paterson & Matthew Gallon 32:05, 5. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 35:15

Not as windy as the weather man predicted all boats apart from Kindling fitted their largest sails. The wind was very similar to the previous week. With a tack to the shed then onwards to the Long side near the Chicken rock then continuing to the returning goal. Balloon spinnakers fitted for the return. Skua was well in the lead with Kindling behind undersailed, Restlesswave struggling and Pioneer removed. As Skua approached the top the wind fell allowing Kindling on the Long side to catch and eventually pass by. On the return Kindling followed the short shore with Skua close behind but a tightening on the main drove it across to the Hole edge, easing Kindlings win.

1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 33:25, 2. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 34:14, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 42:36

2nd race, A slight wind increase favoured Kindling and Pioneer. With the Pioneer having a very good windward leg. However at the goal Peter fell foul of the many trip hazards, stones. Whereupon Peter landed in the water snapping the spinnaker boom so on the return it ran with a slack mainsail but it did manage a slow end to end run. Kindling had a decent spinnaker run to maintain the lead but the most remarkable moment was Skua and Restlesswave crossing the finish line with the exact same time.

1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 33:25, 2. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay & Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 30:05, 3. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 33:07

The Wick Model Yacht Club held its annual MayDay event with eight races held over two days. Usually 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. A quick summary of the weather, Saturday was bright with light winds, Sunday a little overcast with a reasonable breeze. A very enjoyable weekends sailing with very close racing.

Contenders:

• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Kindling sailed by Kevin & Michael Paterson(Saturday))
• Pioneer sailed by Peter Sinclair(Saturday) & John Sutherland & Micahel Paterson(Sunday))
• RestlessWave sailed by Graham & Adam Robertson
• Skua sailed by Innes Scollay & David Sutherland

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

We began with our largest sails and flat spinnakers fitted due to the ert of the light wind. As we started the wind eased off and we all landed at shed so the flat spinnakers had to be removed. Some vessels turned onto opposite tack and returned to the startline because of the fickle wind. Kindling one of them where it was tightened and direction corrected it pulled off the shore. All of the other model yachts were following the short shore until wind changed forcing them to tack towards the Long side. Kindling continued but the others competitors fell back again. With another wind shift and a tack they began to head towards the returning goal. On the return with a large balloon fitted to its starboard side Kindling headed to the Chicken rock with adjustment it sailed across the finish line. Skua behind managed to sail from end to end whilst the Restlesswave clipped the edge of the Hole losing some time. Aurora and Pioneer suffered the most with the light winds and were removed from the race.

Result: 1. Kindling, 2. Skua, 3. Restlesswave

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

From start again we all fell off towards shed. After that the Aurora had a fairly clean run to the end goal. Kindling sailing high self tacked twice towards the Long side. Restlesswave and Pioneer again struggled in the light winds, Pioneer not making much headway was removed from the race whilst Restleswave persevered. Aurora was first to reach the returning goal and was released before Kindling arrived. On the return with large balloon spinnakers fitted Kindling began to catch, sailed neck and neck for a while before pulling away from Aurora to cross the finish line. Restlesswaves preserverance paid out as they completed the race to accumulate points.

Result: 1. Kindling, 2. Aurora, 3. Restlesswave

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

Aurora had a great start managing a very long tack up the Short shore whilst everyone else had to tack early. But as the race neared the returning goal it surprised us all when everyone arrived almost at the same time. Restlesswave with a very quick fitment of the spinnaker was first on the the return leg with Kindling chasing. Kindling caught and passed by but landed on the edge of the Hole where Restlesswave in clean air with no obstacles claimed the win. Aurora, Skua and Pioneer were spread across the loch making there way to the finish.

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Kindling, 3. Aurora, 4. Skua, 5. Pioneer

Fourth race - 2nd Leg of Quatercentenary Cup

From the start Pioneer self tacked as everyone progressed to the shed. Pioneers short tack benefitted them as it then had one long tack to the returning goal. Everyone else had a long tack to the Long side landing prior to the Chicken rock which then required multiple adjustments as they were all sailing too high for the ert of the wind. Although Pioneer was first to arrive at the returning goal its advantage didn't last long as we all arrived within seconds of each other. Quickly fitting spinnakers Kindling was first to leave and sailing steadily it maintained its lead, however it wasn't much of a lead as the racing was very closely matched with all four model yachts crossing the finish line within a two minute window.

Result: 1. Kindling, 2. Pioneer, 3. Aurora, 4. Restlesswave

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

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. Kindling 11 (1:14:54)
2. Restlesswave 10 (1:22:28)
3. Skua 8 (1:24:23)
4. Aurora 4 (30:37)
5. Pioneer 2 (38:48)

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Kindling 12 (1:06:22)
2. Aurora 9 (1:10:46)
3. Restlesswave 7 (1:20:24)
4. Pioneer 5 (31:13)

Sunday

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

Sunday had more of a breeze compared to Saturday and it favoured everyone. Restlesswave set off sailing high managing to get beyond the shed, Kindling was attempting too follow. Aurora slacker and moving fast, Pioneer also slack both boats tacked to the Long side prior to the Chicken rock. As each boat tacked from the Long side they continued to the end goal. With a quickly fitted spinnaker Restlesswave was first to leave. All vessels headed towards the Long side before slackening towards the Short side for a close sprint to the finish. Aurora was the quickest on this leg overtaking the Restlesswave with only seconds to spare. Pioneer unbalanced unbalanced with its spinnaker hugged the Long side impeding progress.

Results: 1. Aurora, 2. Kindling, 3. Restlesswave, 4. Pioneer

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

During the interval a minor repair was needed to the Pioneer and with a tweak to the jib it was sailing better into the wind. As before we tacked to the Short side then towards the Long side before reaching the goal. Pioneer was leading the fleet to the End goal with Kindling sailing high moving slowly and Aurora not so high but sailing quickly both entered the end goal at the same time. Pioneer with spinnaker fitted was first to depart with Restlesswave and Aurora behind, Kindling also released quickly passed everyone but it was heading in the wrong direction towards the Hole. As it got neared the Hole the wind flipped the jib onto the spinnaker side changing the boats direction and fortunately it sailed straight across the finish line. Aurora a few minutes behind clipped the edge of the Hole and Restlesswave negoitated the Point whilst Pioneer again hugged the Long side.

Results: 1. Kindling, 2. Aurora, 3. Restlesswave, 4. Pioneer

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

Restlesswave and Kindling sailing high had two tacks short-long-short to reach the end goal whilst Pioneer and Aurora had four tacks but they were moving fast. At the end goal Aurora was first to leave with its spinnaker sailing fast and steady following the Short shore. Kindling slower was following and Restlesswave headed to the Hole. The three boats had crossed the finish line within 60seconds of each other. Pioneer with a slackened mainsail had multiple adjustments on the Short side for a change.

Results: 1. Aurora, 2. Kindling, 3. Restlesswave, 4. Pioneer

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

For the final race Kindling led the fleet tacking twice to the end goal with only meters between each boat as they crossed the line. Aurora sailing down the middle of the loch with Restlesswave along the Short shore and Kindling headed to the Hole. As we approached the finish line both Aurora and Restlesswave clipped the shore at the Hole jostling with each other to cross the line. With one second separating them Restlesswave took the win. Kindling took some effort to get out the Hole as it was in deep. When it was recovered the Pioneer with a much better spinaker run clipped the shore at Hole pipping Kindling to third place.

Results: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Aurora, 3. Pioneer, 4. Kindling

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Aurora 12 (58:31)
2. Kindling 10 (59:21)
3. Restlesswave 8 (1:00:59)
4. Pioneer 6 (1:17:50)

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. Aurora 10 (1:04:19)
2. Restlesswave 10 (1:05:01)
3. Kindling 9 (1:05:55)
4. Pioneer 7 (1:15:08)

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Kindling 42
2. Aurora 35 (3:44:13)
3. Restlesswave 35 (4:48:52)
4. Pioneer 20
5. Skua 8

To summarise the weekend, the light winds on Saturday favoured Kindling but on Sunday it could have been anyones race as the sailing was very close with multiple winners but Aurora accumulated most points for the two trophies. The overall winner for the Viking cup with most accumulated points for the weekend was Kindling.

From the start line the model yachts were fitted with spinnakers on the port side. Restlesswave leading was the first to enter and depart the returning goal, followed by Kindling then Pioneer and Aurora. Sailing into the oncoming wind the Restlesswave held the lead until it entered deep in the Hole. Pioneer gained the lead briefly before Kindling raced past for a close finish.

1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 29:04, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 29:25, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 29:50, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:43

The second race had the Kindling leading on the spinnaker run to the returning goal. Very closely followed by the Restlesswave. Both departed before Pioneer and Aurora arrived. On the return the wind eased and Kindling suffered with its choice of small sails. Everyone else chose mid sized. The Aurora was sailing well and closed the gap on the Restlesswave to be within one second at the finish line.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:19, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 25:20, 3. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 26:04, 4. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 29:24

The forecast was for light winds but at the loch side an unexpected breeze was blowing so each vessel was fitted with their mid sized sails. We set off tacking towards the shed before turning towards the Chicken rock. Kindling was leading favouring the swap winds. As we approached the returning goal the boats were in various states of tacking. Kindling was first to turn with a spinnaker fitted on the starboard closely followed by Restlesswave and Aurora. On their release they looked as though they were aiming towards the Hole but as we progressed they fell off to the short shore. Kindling with one touch maintaned its lead followed across the line by Restlesswave. Aurora unfortunately did land in the Hole, Skua making up some ground took advantage of Auroras situation and gained a place. Pioneer with a small spinnaker sailed from side to side on the return as the large mainsail drove the boat across.

1. Kindling Kevin Paterson 29:44, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 30:20, 3. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 36:03, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 37:42, 5. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 40:05

The second race with a slight wind shift towards the sea began with the boats heading the desired direction but as they moved out towards the expanse of water some began to fall off as they had been slackened to compensate at the start line. Kindling was first to tack the others followed eventually. Pioneer was well set and was sailing both high and fast and extended a decent lead. Restlesswave suffered in the lighter winds and took numerous attempts to make any headway from the startline. Pioneer was first to return this time with a larger spinnaker, Kindling next was slowly reducing the gap as we neared the race finish but it was not to be. The Aurora for the second time was pipped at the finish line by the Skua with only seconds between them.

1. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 31:04, 2. Kindling Kevin Paterson 32:17, 3. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 39:43, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 39:55

A reasonable wind breeze was blowing from the sea the yachts were fitted with midsized sails. We set off sailing into the oncoming wind initially heading towards the shed but then with a slight barely noticeable change of wind direction the Restlesswave and Aurora pulled away from the short shore to almost make it to the end goal only requiring a minor adjustment whereas Pioneer did make it. Apollo and Kindling were tight as they left the startline and they pulled to the long side just before the Chicken rock, needing slackened several times to continue. On the return with small balloon spinnakers fitted to the starboard side. Pioneer and Restlesswave were moving quickly. Restlesswave running slack to avoid the Hole required adjustment whereas Pioneer managed an end to end run in the fastest time this year so far. Aurora headed to the Hole whilst Kindling was kept slack to keep it on the short shore. Apollo tightened several times headed to the Hole.

1. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 21:02, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 21:40, 3. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 23:16, 4. Kindling Kevin Paterson 24:08, 5. Apollo Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 28:19.

For the 2nd race Aurora set off at pace followed by Restlesswave and Pioneer, Kindling slack was turned for a long tack to the Long side loosing a lot of time. Apollo overtight landed on the long shore almost a repeat of the first race. Pioneer also tacked just ahead of Apollo. Aurora and Restlesswave extended a good lead but Aurora was the faster of the two. With an adjustment to get round the Point Aurora crossed the line in first position. Restlesswave followed the same route. Pioneer clipped the edge of the Hole allowing Kindling to catch and pinch third position. Apollo running slack tracked the short shore to complete the race.

1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 22:48, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:38, 3. Kindling Kevin Paterson 25:12, 4. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 25:22, 5. Apollo Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 28:25.

A bright day with mid sized sails. Outward bound the model yachts sailed towards the Long shore beyond the Chicken rock. Then slackening, towards the returning goal. On the return leg with balloon spinnakers ideally following the Short shore. The day was clearly led by the Restlesswave with the Pioneer chasing hard.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 26:08, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair 27:50, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 27:52, 4. Aurora Archie Miller 27:56

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:28, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair 25:59, 3. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 27:41, 4. Aurora Archie Miller 30:02

Mid sized sails fitted and a day of varying wind strength. We set off with spinnakers, Aurora was sailing steadily followed by Skua. Kindling was unstable sailing back and forth across the loch. At the returning goal spinnakers were removed and the boats released when the wind dropped. When the wind returned, Skua marginally oversailed, but easily sailed towards the finish. Aurora struggled but was making headway whereas Kindling required a more serious adjustment. The mast was pulled back a notch to help pointing into the wind allowing the abiltity to complete the race. Restlesswave never made progress beyond the goal even after numerous attempts.

1. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 28:57, 2. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 36:24, 3. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 48:00

For the second race the wind increased again Skua this time was severely oversailed and was removed from the race. Kindling, Aurora and Restlesswave were making good progress to the returning goal. Kindling was first to release after removing the spinnaker but was overtightened. As it passed the Chicken rock it looked as though it my make the finish line until the wind further increased and it headed in the Hole. Aurora looked as though it was falling off and would require a tack but with the increase in wind speed it pulled away from the shore to cross the finish line ahead of Kindling. Restlesswave made it to the burn but again struggled and was removed from the race.

1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 24:27, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 26:25

A breezy easterly saw each of the three boats fitted with mid-sized sails. Outbound leg was possible with a single tack which the Pioneer thrived. Kindling initially slack fell to the Short shore tightened it sailed towards the Long shore. On the return leg a flat spinnaker was fitted to aid direction.

1. Pioneer Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 23:32, 2. Kindling Kevin Paterson 24:30, 3. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 30:35

Second race, from the start the wind shifted. Pioneer and Kindling followed the shore shore requiring adjustment. Once tightened they sailed towards the Long side before entering the goal. Turned, Kindling was fitted with a small balloon spinnaker and the Pioneer continued using a flat. The advantage went to the balloon spinnaker.

1. Kindling Kevin Paterson 28:24, 2. Pioneer Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 36:45

A cool day with snow on the ground and a light westerly wind, beam, blowing. Kindling set off following the short shore whereas Restlesswave headed to the Long side. Moving steadily Kindling stretched a lead with a couple of adjustments to reach the returning goal. It was was turned adjusted and made its way to the finish line. Restlesswave was travelling faster once it was tightened but the gap was too great to overcome.

1. Kindling Kevin Paterson 33:04, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 37:02

Restlesswave began well clipping the rear of the slower moving Kindling to change its tack. Afterwards they followed similar paths with the Restlesswave leading the way. On the return with a slight wind shift both vessels adopted spinnakers, flat for Restlesswave and small balloon for Kindling. Both followed the short shore but Kindling was gaining and was almost neck and neck when it entered lighter winds as they passed the shed. Whereupon the Restlesswave caught some wind and powered ahead to gain the win.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:17, 2. Kindling Kevin Paterson 34:45

Second race abandoned due to light winds.

A day of lights winds with only the Restlesswave completing the distance. Skua fell foul of the time limit. 2nd race abandoned.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 37:27

From the startline a reasonable breeze was blowing on our backs down the loch. Each boat was fitted with large sails and with spinnakers on their starboard side the boats would follow the short shore line. As we set off each vessel required to be slackened at the Coronation pier. Kindling with fewer adjustments began to stretch a lead. At the returning goal the spinaker was stripped and sails tightened to tack its way through the oncoming boats. Kindling got away cleanly but the Restlesswave and Skua collided.

1. Kindling Kevin Paterson 30:53, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 32:31, 3. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 33:05, 4. Pioneer Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 41:37

The second race began almost as a repeat of the first, Kindling leading but this time closely shadowed by the Pioneer. At the returning goal the boats spun around due to a change in wind direction. With spinnakers removed the Pioneer was moving quickly and initially took the lead. Restlesswave was sailing quickly and pointing high passing Kindling and was progressively closing on the Pioneer. Pioneer unfortunately landed in the Hole, it was in deep and with a slackened sail it headed to the short shore. Restlesswave more fortunate just clipped the edge of the Hole changed tack and crossed the finish line in first position. A recovered Pioneer was tightened to attain second place.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 31:16, 2. Pioneer Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 31:59, 3. Kindling Kevin Paterson 32:50

It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine and oddly warm for February. With very light winds, all boats were fitted with their largest sails in an effort to catch what little wind was available. Three boats began the first race with spinnakers fitted. As we made our way from the startline progress was slow. Aurora was moving well, down the centre of the loch, Skua headed towards the shed and Kindling floundered. Kindling was eventually removed at the Hole. Aurora continued down the middle of the loch until the wind began to shift spinning the boat 180 for a beautiful sail in the opposite direction back to the start. The Skua was fortunate as it was on the short shore at this time. With its spinnaker removed to continue its onward journey tacking to the returning goal. On the return with a spinnaker fitted it sailed directly from end to end for a solo finish.

1. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 52:55

The second race began with an improvement in wind strength although its direction was still variable. Four boats started. Pioneer and Skua tacking towards the shed whilst Aurora and Kindling tacking towards the long side. With opposing directions it was inevitable that a collision was imminent. Skua managed to broadside Aurora turning both. Separated they continued, Aurora was sailing too high and going slow while Skua's jib slackened in the collision was also causing poor performance. Pioneer struggled to depart from the startline and was removed after several atempts. Kindling was moving well tacking to and fro progressing to the returning goal. On the return with its spinnaker fitted, it clipped the Aurora on its way past causing Aurora to drift back down the loch. Kindling continued until it backfilled sending it to the long side before recovering and returning to the shed. Even with this detour it finished ahead of the Skua. Aurora was eventually recovered and removed as time ran out.

1. Kindling Kevin Paterson 48:15, 2. Skua David Sutherland & Innes Scollay 54:06

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 32:30, 2. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 33:35

1. Pioneer Peter & Rory Sinclair 27:54, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:03

An overcast day with a decent breeze blowing mid-sized sails were fitted. Kindling began quickly but the sails were too slack for sailing into the wind and headed towards the Hole. Restlesswave was sailing higher than all the other boats achieving to tack beyond the Chicken rock. Although Aurora was moving at speed and was vying for the lead with less tacks Restlesswave entered the returning goal first. Returning with a spinnaker fitted to its port side it had a substantial lead by the time Aurora, Kindling & Skua returned with spinnakers. Both Kindling and Skua passed Aurora as it had some spinnakers issues.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:33, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:48, 3. Skua David Sutherland and Innes Scollay 34:52, 4. Aurora Archie Miller & Michael Paterson 38:38.

Kindling had a better start for the second race of the day. It set off maintaining the lead until it tacked where the higher sailing Restlesswave again edged ahead. At the returning goal Restlesswave was quickly fitted with a spinnaker and was first on its return leg. Kindling fell further behind as its spinnaker strings were tangled, loosing valuable time as they were unravelled. Eventually after release it began to gain on the leader. As the race progressed closing near the finish line Restlesswave headed towards the Hole and Kindling towards the Point. The Aurora behind was gaining with a fast spinnaker run seeing the troubled vessels ahead it was hopeful. However, Restlesswave very successfully negotiated its way out of the Hole before Kindling managed to round the Point.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 26:46, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 27:22, 3. Aurora Archie Miller & Michael Paterson 31:07.

A new season begins, cool and bright with a light breeze. With mid-sized sails fitted, it was an excellent easy return to sailing. So with a casual walk around the loch we began with only three boats attending.

RestlessWave and Skua began on a port tack whereas Kindling chose the starboard tack, turns out that was not the best choice. But as we progressed the RestlessWave was sailing tight staying out of trouble. Whereas Skua and Kindling sailing on opposing tacks managed to collide three times before reaching the returning goal. Unphased, Skua quickly fitted a spinnaker leading the others out of the goal. Restlesswave was positioned nicely down the centre of the loch, moving steadily and with a quicker pace it passed the Skua to extend a lead to win the race.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 30:24, 2. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 31:58, 3. Skua David Sutherland and Innes Scollay 32:33.

Kindling and Restlesswave began the second race both selecting the port tack. This time Restlesswave was overly tight and required slackening on the short shore. Kindling with a long tack sailed close to the returning goal before turning. First to enter the returning goal it was fitted with a spinnaker and released before Restlesswave arrived. Kindling however, was running slack had to be tightened on the long side before crossing to the short side. Restlesswave as in the first race was sailing very steadily with its spinnaker eventually passing the Kindling to gain its second win of the day.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:52, 2. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 28:36.