The finale of our model yacht sailing season was greeted with very light winds and the occasional downpour of rain. Traditionally the last two races are sailed with our larger 5ft class yachts. Seven boats started each race but only a few managed to complete the distance. The penultimate race began with the hope of a steady wind but as we each departed from the startline we entered the flourishing weed. The older shallower boats, Seagull and Eviedon, sliced through fairly easily, while the others ploughed very slowly. All made it through apart from the Pioneer which struggled and was removed. Once beyond, the wind drove the boats towards the Long side apart from the Argo which hugged the Short shore. The Seagull with a good line took the lead followed by the Eviedon. The others had to be slackened each time they hit the shore. On the return with spinnakers fitted the Seagull maintained its lead followed closely by the Eviedon but a well trimmed VitalSpark was reducing the gap. The three vessels all landed in the Hole one after the other. The Seagull just managed to stay ahead of the VitalSpark which was now only a few seconds behind. The Eviedon unfortunately suffered from a backfill and sailed the opposite direction allowing the Argo to gain a position. The Eviedon, Phantom and JollyRoger were all removed as they ran out of time.

1. Seagull Innes & Barry Scollay 39:53, 2. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 40:05, 3. Argo Archie & Fiona Miller 44:19

Final race for the coveted 1903 trophy had a similar start, but as each boat departed it was evident the wind had shifted and every boat sailed towards the Long side again. That is apart from the Phantom which was quickly fitted with a flat spinnaker keeping the boat in the middle of the loch on target for the returning goal. The Seagull and Eviedon once slackened had reasonable pace as they pulled ahead of the VitalSpark and Argo. At the returning goal the Phantom swapped the flat spinnaker to the starboard side for its return journey, it wasn't fast but its direction was steady. The Seagull and Eviedon were gaining. As we approached race end, again the boats landed in the Hole with Phantom taking the win.

1. Phantom Kevin & Lewis Paterson 40:10, 2. Seagull Innes & Barry Scollay 41:22, 3. Eviedon James Roberson & Allan Tait 47:05, 4. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 52:47, 5. Argo Archie & Fiona Miller 52:52

To conclude the season we held a prize giving. The most successful 4ft model yacht with 71points is the Restlesswave. The most successful 5ft yacht is Phantom with 40points. The model yacht with the fastest time this season is Tempest with a winning time of 18:52.

I'd like to thank our timekeeper Willie Robertson for his efforts in all weather conditions and Hazel Paterson for the refreshments. See you all next year.

Fickle unpredictable winds made for an eventful day. We all started with mid to top sized sails. Initially the light winds were causing trouble as we tried our best to bypass the growing weed at the mouth of the goal. But once clear it was free sailing. Barracuda led us briefly before the pack chased it down with a couple of slow tacks getting us to the far end. With spinnakers fitted to the starboard side the boats hugged the Short shore. But as we returned the wind began to increase this was most evident on the Seagull with its 'kingsize bed' sized spinnaker, it is huge. The oversailed boat struggled for the final portion of the race. Aurora sailing consistently took the win, followed by BlueHaze which was sailing well but lost time with an extra tack before attaching its spinnaker. Seagull managed after multiple attempts to finish just seconds ahead of the Barracuda.

1. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 44:07, 2. BlueHaze Kevin Paterson 48:02, 3. Seagull Innes & Barry Scollay 55:40, 4. Barracuda James Robertson 55:48

Second race began very slowly with very light winds but soon after we set off a little breeze helped. Seagull with a very good line took the lead with the VitalSpark behind. BlueHaze, Aurora & Valhalla all headed to the shallow rocky area just before the Chicken rock. Each required numerous adjustments losing time with each touch. On the return Seagull with a smaller spinnaker sailed steadily to take the win, followed by the VitalSpark. Barracuda wasn't far behind but an adjustment at the Hole backfilled the boat. As it sailed towards the shed on the Short side it collected the Aurora. BlueHaze was fortunate to pass them both to take third. Whilst Valhalla slightly tighter landed in the Hole, it too benefited by only 2 seconds to finish ahead of the recovered Aurora and Barracuda.

1. Seagull Innes & Barry Scollay 26:36, 2. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 28:19, 3. BlueHaze Kevin Paterson 32:36, 4. Valhalla Sandy Bremner & Ava Mackay 37:58, 5. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 38:00, 6. 6th Barracuda James Robertson 38:41

3 yachts lined up with a near beam light wind. Restlesswave and Valhalla got away sprightly but Tempest was impaired by the troublesome weed. Restlesswave made good progress both ways and couldn't be caught, although Tempest did make up some ground.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:38, 2. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 25:21, 3. Valhalla Adam Bremner & John Sutherland 27:10

The wind moved slightly round to the north west for the start of the second race and all the yachts landed half way up on the Short side. Restlesswave achieved greater distance and was running slacker so gained another good lead. Unfortunately Valhalla backfilled and returned all the way to the start. Tempest also backfilled but was caught and turned at the Chicken Rock so was able to continue to finish the race but it was another double win for Graham and Adam.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:01, 2. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 37:38

Sailors had wall to wall sunshine for Saturdays racing with 16mph blowing from the North straight down the loch. 6 Yachts lined up for the first race with most yachts putting on their largest sails. The race started favourably for Valhalla in a freshening breeze it seemed to have gotten its sail size correct. With the other yachts all oversailed and having difficulty keeping a straight line. Valhalla opened up a large lead for the tacks home and it wasn’t going to be caught. The closest challengers Apollo and Restlesswave both catching the Hole which at this time of year with low water is really treacherous. Sandy and Adam won with time to spare.

1. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 29:22, 2. Apollo Michael Paterson 34:23, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 35:37, 4. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 39:42, 5. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 44:30

A few vessels had sail changes during the break and with a slight easing of the wind made for an entertaining second race. Tempest, Kindling and Restlesswave all made the top goal together making the returning tacks very exciting. Kindling and Tempest were matching each others pace with Restlesswave holding a higher line with fewer tacks. The winner would be determined on the final leg to avoid the Hole. Restlesswave made it across the finish line just ahead of Tempest and Kindling for a narrow win and with just two seconds separating the runners up Tempest and Kindling.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:58, 2. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 29:18, 3. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 29:20, 4. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 30:02, 5. Apollo Michael Paterson 32:17

After the exertions of the MayDay weekend racing returned to its normal 2 races. Conditions started with a steady 12-15 mph southerly blowing straight down the loch with uninterrupted sun. 8 Yachts lined up for the first race tacking initially towards the shed. The two 5ft yachts Phantom and VitalSpark led the way closely followed by Tempest as they made their way up the loch at a leisurely pace. The wind died down at the top leaving yachts struggling to reach the top goal. Phantom led but at times drifted, VitalSpark landed on the Long shore which enabled Graham to swap VitalSparks spinnaker over giving it a clear run home to the finish but it couldn’t catch Phantom who at the last moments caught some wind to make it home first.

1. Phantom Kevin Paterson 28:54, 2. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 30:59, 3. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 32:02, 4. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 33:07, 5. Barracuda Allan Tait & James Robertson 36:01, 6. Apollo Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 39:23

With the wind dropping there was a lot of deliberation going on at half time to see if yachts should increase sail size but the wind freshened for the race start so the yachts remained unchanged. Crews soon realised their decision not to change was a mistake as the wind again died leaving all the yachts struggling to catch the slight waft of air. The big two 5 footers again did the best in the light winds leading the way to the top. On the home run it looked as if both Phantom and VitalSpark were heading for the depths of the Hole which would have allowed the chasing pack to close the gap but then a late change in the wind direction allowed VitalSpark to head directly home passing Phantom who did catch the edge of the Hole. For the other positions there was a mad dash with 4 yachts all descending on the finish line at the same time causing some panic for Hazel who was doing the timekeeping.

1. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 32:07, 2. Phantom Kevin Paterson 32:36, 3. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 34:23, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 35:05, 5. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 35:08, 6. Apollo Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 35:19

The Wick Model Yacht Club held its annual MayDay event with eight races held over two days. Many thanks to Kirkwall Model Yacht Clubs members for joining us for a fabulous weekends sailing in challenging wind conditions. The Wick based yachts were joined by a visiting team from Orkney sailing the Athene and Andrew Banks & Co returning from Cornwall to sail Thor, watched on the side lines by Alex Banks. Conditions on Saturday were challenging starting with a strong northerly wind blowing down the loch from the starting goal of around 24-30mph.

Contenders:

• Aurora sailed by Archie & Fiona Miller
• Kindling sailed by Kevin & Michael Paterson
• Pioneer sailed by Peter & Rory Sinclair & John Sutherland (race 1-2)
• Apollo sailed by Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland (race 3-4)
• Restlesswave sailed by Graham & Adam Robertson
• Barracuda sailed by Allan Tait & James Robertson (race 1-7)
• Boy Michael sailed by Allan Tait & James Robertson (race 8)
• Valhalla sailed by Sandy & Adam Bremner
• Tempest sailed by Innes Scollay & David Sutherland
• Thor sailed by Andrew, Alexander & Zoe Banks
• Athene by Alan Walls, Stuart Inkster & Laurence Copland (Kirkwall)

First race - 1st Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

8 Yachts lined up for the first race. A sprint start saw the yachts flying from the off with Athene getting a particularly good start. Tempest and Kindling had a coming together with most yachts failing to make a clean run downwind. Kindling had the best first leg turning first for home. On the turn yachts faced a few long tacks towards the Hole which made for tricky turning with the low water level but it was Restlesswave that had a great run powering to victory for the first race in the Thrumster Estate Cup overtaking Kindling in the final tacks to win by just 14 seconds.

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Kindling, 3. Athene, 4. Valhalla, 5. Pioneer, 6. Barracuda.

Second race - 1st leg of Quatercentenary Cup

After a much needed break with sailors and visitors enjoying the lovely spread provided and a hot cup of tea the fleet was joined by Archie Miller with Aurora bringing the starting line up to 9 for the remaining 3 races. Race two was another keenly fought contest following similar conditions as yachts fought to keep a straight line in the strong winds. Yachts were much closer together and the home run had a few close shaves with yachts tacking across each other. Restlesswave was again the yacht to catch but this time it was Aurora who gave the best chase but could only follow. Restlesswave achieving their 2nd win of the day by just 47 seconds from Aurora, with the next 2 yachts just a couple of minutes behind keeping the timekeepers of Willie and Maya on their toes.

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Aurora, 3. Kindling, 4. Tempest, 5. Valhalla, 6. Barracuda.

Third race - 2nd Leg of Thrumster Estate Cup

After another break with hot soup and pies the now wearying sailors lined up for the second race in the Thrumster Estate Cup. Peter and John gave up on Pioneer as it was in danger of draining the loch taking on so much water and opted to sail Apollo for the remaining two races. Andrew Banks & Co yacht Thor made a stunning start in this race screaming down the loch with an end to end run leaving the rest of the field in its wake but it faced disaster on its turn around when Tempest in full flight downwind collided with Thor damaging their jib leaving the yacht marooned allowing the pack to pass. With Thor now effectively out of the running it left the way open for Restlesswave and Aurora to fight it out for first with Graham and Adam again just holding off Archie’s Aurora by just 42 seconds. There was only just over 3 minutes between the 1st and 6th yachts

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Aurora, 3. Kindling, 4. Tempest, 5. Barracuda, 6. Apollo.

Fourth race - 2nd Leg of Quatercentenary Cup

A very weary set of sailors and yachts lined up for the final race of the day with the wind rising and falling causing some issues with finding direction on the downwind leg. A great race ensued with most yachts having to make the long tack across from the heart of the Hole, for another close finish. Restlesswave could not complete a clean sweep and it was Valhalla who nipped the win by the closest margin of the day of just 8 seconds. Again just over 3 minutes separated the 6 yachts.

Result: 1. Valhalla, 2. Restlesswave, 3. Kindling, 4. Barracuda, 5. Aurora, 6. Thor.

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

Thrumster Estate Cup, races 1 & 3

1. Restlesswave 12 (52:53)
2. Kindling 9 (54:33)
3. Aurora 5 (26:45)
4. Athene 4 (1:00:35)
5. Valhalla 3 (1:00:13)
6. Barracuda 3 (1:02:43)

QuaterCentenary Cup races 2 & 4

1. Restlesswave 11 (49:52)
2. Valhalla 8 (52:49)
3. Kindling 8 (53:03)
4. Aurora 7 (53:11)
5. Barracuda 4 (56:44)
6. Tempest 3 (1:01:52)

Sunday

Fifth race - 1st leg of MayDay Shield

Sunday was the clubs second day of the double header May weekend. Conditions saw an easing of the strong winds on Saturday with most yachts having to increase sail size. The wind was still blowing around 14-17mph from the north down the loch. 8 Yachts lined up for the first race with Athene from Orkney having a great first run going top to bottom in one go, way ahead of its chasing vessels. Athene had a great home run with Restlesswave, Tempest and Barracuda giving chase. Tempest also had a great home run and was reducing the gap. Athene then on its cross tack from the Hole caught weed slowing it, Tempest closing but Athene held on to win by just 14 seconds for Alan, Stuart and Laurence.

Result: 1. Athene, 2. Tempest, 3. Restlesswave, 4. Barracuda, 5. Thor, 6. Aurora

Sixth race - 1st Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

After a quick break and a snooze for Michael race two got underway. And it was the yacht from Orkney that led again but this time the chasing pack were all much closer but another steady race both directions saw the lads from Orkney hold on despite a strong challenge by Kindling

Result: 1. Athene, 2. Kindling, 3. Restlesswave, 4. Tempest, 5. Barracuda, 6. Aurora

Seventh race - 2nd leg of MayDay Shield

The races kept coming thick and fast as the sailors saw the end nearing in for the marathon weekend with legs and bodies feeling the pace some more than others. Tempest had the best first run getting to the top first and turning for home pursued by Restlesswave who was holding a high line. Restlesswave had the best final tack with Tempest catching the Hole enabling Graham and Adam to claim their 4th win of the weekend. Thor and its sailors Andrew, Alexander and Zoe Banks all the way from Cornwall had their best showing of the weekend getting a very credible second place. 2nd to 5th places were separated with just 23 seconds between them.

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Thor, 3. Kindling, 4. Tempest, 5. Valhalla, 6. Athene

Eighth race - 2nd Leg of SMYA Northern Trophy

And so on to the last race of the weekend, all the pies and sausage rolls had been eaten and sailors faced up for a last effort, with the veteran Boy Michael being given an outing by Allan Tait. Another good race ensued with Restlesswave getting to the turn first. On its return leg it faced tacking into the 7 oncoming yachts all heading to the returning goal, lucky it avoided fouls. A good close race was had but the chasing fleet couldn’t quite claw back the Restlesswaves lead. Tempest, Athene and Thor were separated with only 23 seconds. But it was Graham and Adam who completed yet another win, accruing a total of 5 wins to complete their clean sweep of the weekends silverware.

Result: 1. Restlesswave, 2. Tempest, 3. Kindling, 4. Valhalla, 5. Thor, 6. Aurora

Sunday concluded as follows:

MayDay Shield races 1 & 3

1. Restlesswave 10 (56:14)
2. Tempest 8 (1:00:27)
3. Athene 7 (1:03:41)
4. Thor 7 (1:06:26)
5. Kindling 4 (31:26)
6. Barracuda 3 (1:07:45)

SMYA Northern Trophy races 2 & 4

1. Restlesswave 10 (59:01)
2. Kindling 9 (59:59)
3. Tempest 8 (1:03:07)
4. Athene 6 (1:03:35)
5. Valhalla 3 (1:11:00)
6. Barracuda 2 (33:32)

Viking Cup - Most Overall points

1. Restlesswave 43
2. Kindling 30
3. Tempest 22
4. Athene 17
5. Valhalla 16
6. Aurora 15

Summary: So with all the races run it was up to time keeper Willie Robertson to announce the prizes for the weekend which ended up as a clean sweep for Graham and Adam Robertson whose yacht Restlesswave was the outstanding winner of both days.

Conditions started with a steady 12-18 mph southerly blowing straight down the loch. 6 Yachts lined up for the first race tacking first towards the shed then a long tack across to the Hole just north of the Chicken rock. Shangani got higher up the first tack and avoided the worst, tacking across the loch gaining a good advantage. Restlesswave and Tempest came together but no lasting issues occurred. Graham readjusted Restlesswave and made good progress at closing down Shangani. Both had good home runs with Shangani holding off Restlesswave for the win.

1. Shangani Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 26:46, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:58, 3. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 30:00, 4. Barracuda Allan Tait & James Robertson 30:50, 5. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 32:03, 6. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 35:58

The wind reduced a fair bit in the second race making the first leg a good bit slower. Shangani and Restlesswave again did the best at tacking. Tempest got stuck on a rock some way from the shore caused by the extremely low water level and had to be rescued by Allan Tait sporting chest waders to get it free. It looked as if Shangani would do the double but its setting on the home run was too tight missing the goal on the Hole side allowing Restlesswave a clear run home to snatch the victory.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:17, 2. Shangani Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 29:47, 3. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 31:06, 4. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 32:25, 5. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 33:30, 6. Barracuda Allan Tait & James Robertson 40:50

The day started off bright and sunny with light winds, we kitted out the 5ft boats with their largest sails. It was a beam wind so each boat was fitted with a flat spinnaker for the start. When the whistle blew Eviedon headed to the Shed, Phantom sailing down the middle followed by Valhalla and Barracuda. Shangani and Argo overly tight headed to the Hole. Shangani was slackened to continue its journey but Argo had a few attempts back and forth across the loch before finding its direction. Phantom was lucky with a couple of minor adjustments to negotiate its way to the returning goal. With the flat spinnaker quickly swapped to the other side it was released as the Eviedon entered the goal. The Phantom hugged the Short shore reaching the burn where the wind started to shift, so the flat spinnaker was removed for a long tack to the opposing side. The chasing boats on the return leg each removed flat spinnakers to sail into the wind. The Eviedon avoiding the long tack gained on the Phantom. The Valhalla moving at pace, managed to gain a position as it passed Eviedon. The race concluded as follows:

1. Phantom Kevin & Michael Paterson 39:20, 2. Valhalla Adam Bremner 43:11, 3. Eviedon Graham & Adam Robertson 44:01, 4. Argo Archie Miller & Rory Sinclair 46:13, 5. Barracuda James Robertson & Allan Tait 46:20

For the second race with the new wind direction and cooler temperature, all the boats were fitted with balloon spinnakers to their port side. The pace was reasonably quick with a long run towards the returning goal with a couple of minor tweaks. Spinnakers were removed to return into the oncoming wind. Tacking back and forth Phantom maintained its early lead to almost lose it all as it clipped the edge of the Hole. The VitalSpark and Shangani both close by ready to take advantage but it wasn't their lucky day.

1. Phantom Kevin & Michael Paterson 22:39, 2. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 24:10, 3. Shangani Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 25:15, 4. Valhalla Adam Bremner 27:05, 5. Barracuda James Robertson & Allan Tait 42:06, 6. Argo Archie Miller & Rory Sinclair 42:21

An interesting side note, we had the pleasure to entertain a freelance photographer Euan Myles, http://euanmyles.co.uk/. He photographs unique hobbies and crafts as personal projects and captured images of us in action.

A beautiful day with light winds with the 5ft boats kitted out with their largest sails. From the start line we tacked towards the Shed before crossing towards the Chicken rock. This is where the challenges began. Argo and Valsheda struggled to make any further headway after numerous attempts and wishing for more wind they abandoned the race. Phantom and VitalSpark made it to the Chicken rock before colliding and together they drifted very slowly back to the start line, end of race. Leaving the JollyRoger and Shangani to reach the returning goal. The JollyRoger with a spinnaker fitted had a substantial lead over the chasing Shangani. Following the Short shore they both were now chasing the clock to finish the race within the 1hour allotted time. JollyRoger crossed the line in first place but unfortunately for the Shangani the whistle blew signifying race end before they crossed the line.

1. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 48:42

The second race was similar to the first, crossing to the Shed then to the Chicken rock. The winds at the Chicken rock were very swappy Argo and VitalSpark tried to go further but failed. The Shangani seemed to be voice controlled as both sailors were shouting instructions to the boat. It was on the Long side at the right time to make its way to the returning goal. The Phantom also made it to the goal eventually, but some way behind. JollyRoger and Valhalla almost made it, eventually giving up and returning. On the return leg with spinnakers fitted, Shangani continued to pull away from the chasing Phantom, both following the Short shore to finish.

1. Shangani Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 51:17, 2. Phantom Kevin & Michael Paterson 54:10

Conditions on Saturday were favourable with a light 12-15mph easterly blowing across the loch. 8 Yachts lined up for the first race with 6 of them 5ft class. It was however the 4ft Tempest that led the way on the first leg. Seagull and JollyRoger fouled twice in the opening stages doing a circular dance before freeing and heading back the way they came taking them effectively out of the race within the first 5 Minutes. It looked like Tempest had run away with the race but was set too tight on the home bound leg ending up in the Hole which allowed the other chasing yachts to pass in the final 50 yards. There was a rare tie for second place between Valhalla and VitalSpark but it was Kevin & Lewis Paterson’s Phantom that nipped in for the win.

1. Phantom Kevin & Lewis Paterson 23:08, 2. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 24:50 tied with Valhalla Allan Tait & James Robertson 24:50, 3. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 25:01, 4. Argo Archie Miller 25:54, 5. Seagull Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 36:30, 6. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 36:53

Conditions stayed fairly constant for the second race when 7 Yachts lined up for the start with David & Innes deciding 1 yacht was quite enough to sail at a time. Tempest and Phantom were close together in the first leg both crossing the top goal together but it was Tempest that got the best turnaround and was set perfectly from the top goal this time. The fleet gave a good chase but no one could close the gap giving Innes and David a good win that made up for the disappointment of the first race. Remarkably the two yachts that tied in the first race nearly repeated the same feat again with just 4 seconds separating the VitalSpark and Valhalla.

1. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 19:53, 2. Phantom Kevin & Lewis Paterson 23:25, 3. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 23:53, 4. Valhalla Allan Tait & James Robertson 23:57, 5. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 27:11, 6. Argo Archie Miller 33:10

Sailors and yachts faced atrocious weather today with a strong southerly wind blowing straight down the loch accompanied by driving rain. Last minute changes of yacht entries due to the increasing wind kept time keeper Willie Robertson on his toes. 7 yachts lined up for the start with yachts tacking up the loch into the wind now gusting to around 35-38mph. Progress was slow going with Apollo and Restlesswave making the best of the first leg. Pioneer suffered some gear issues and for a short while was going full astern driven back by the wind. On the turn around with spinnakers fitted yachts were flying down the loch and at one stage Kevin and Lewis Paterson’s Yacht Kindling was covering 100m faster than Usain Bolt, but it was Apollo sailed my Michael Paterson that held on for the win. Boy Michael also failed to finish suffering damage to its boom.

1. Apollo Michael Paterson 27:23, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 28:00, 3. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 28:42, 4. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 36:25, 5. Aurora Archie Miller & James Robertson 40:08

Conditions were no better for the second race but after a warming hot pie and cup of tea everyone was good to go again. A similar race took place with the Apollo and Restlesswave again making the best of the heavy weather up the loch with Tempest 3rd to turn. Apollo had another great run down and held off Restlesswave for a double win. Michael this time assisted by Allan Tait. Tempest flew down the home run in 3rd leaving its sailors Innes Scollay and David Sutherland lagging about 100yds behind the yacht. Valhalla this time had damage losing its jib.

1. Apollo Michael Paterson & Allan Tait 25:35, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:01, 3. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 29:37, 4. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 32:15, 5. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 32:16, 6. Aurora Archie Miller & James Robertson 37:43

Today the conditions were challenging with the forecast showing very strong winds of possibly 35 mph. Most yachts were fitted with small sails but the reality was the wind dropped off leaving the yachts undersailed. Graham and Adam Robertson however made a last minute switch to a larger suit which they fitted in the nick of time before race start. This change benefited them as they caught what little wind there was and had a big lead in the first leg. No one was catching Restlesswave as it took another 1st.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:25, 2. Kindling Kevin Paterson 31:46, 3. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 33:01, 4. Apollo Michael Paterson 37:13, 5. Aurora Archie Miller & James Robertson 40:28, 6. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 43:50

The wind was kinder in race 2 and stayed reasonably fresh. Valhalla had the best first leg tacking to the top. But it was Kindling closely followed by Restlesswave who had the better spinnaker run with Kindling keeping the lead.

1. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 28:11, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 30:35, 3. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 31:50, 4. Aurora Archie Miller & James Robertson 33:16, 5.Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 36:03

7 Yachts lined up in a beam westerly breeze for the delayed start to race 1 after Kevin Paterson accidentally did a full lap of the loch before race start. When his yacht ended up on the far shore when it should have been heading for the start line. Tempest had the best first leg but didn’t get it set right for the home run and ended in irons for a while until it could be adjusted. Graham and Adam Robertson had a great second run with Restlesswave to win. It was good to see a few old members paying a visit at half time and also welcomed back James Robertson after many decades of absence.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 20:21, 2. Apollo Michael Paterson & Islay Anderson 24:11, 3. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 25:29, 4. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & Donald Anderson 26:16, 5. Kindling Kevin Paterson 26:44, 6. Valhalla Allan Tait 27:17

Second race, the wind moved slightly to the north west and it was close to the top end with Restlesswave, Valhalla and Tempest all turning together. The home run was close race between Restlesswave and Tempest with Restlesswave just pipping Tempest to win by 34 seconds.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 20:51, 2. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 21:25, 3. Valhalla Allan Tait & James Robertson 22:43, 4. Kindling Kevin Paterson 22:53, 5. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 24:14, 6. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & Islay Anderson 26:03

6 Yachts lined up for race 1, in light winds blowing just off the south east corner. JollyRoger had the best first run closely followed by Valhalla but just as they got turned the wind fell away with the remaining yachts struggling to make the top goal. The home run was more of a drift than a sail. JollyRoger had a good lead but caught the Hole while Valhalla hugged the Short side and was able to overhaul for a first win of the season for Allan Tait.

1. Valhalla Allan Tait 41:16, 2. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 45:23, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 47:17, 4. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 51:43, 5. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 51:48

The second race was much more eventful. For the first time in many years 5ft yachts outnumbered 4ft with Seagull, Eviedon and Shangani joining JollyRoger in the line. The start saw a rare 3 way foul involving Eviedon, Valhalla and Shangani which allowed JollyRoger, Seagull and Kindling to get a clear lead to the top. JollyRoger was first turned followed by Kindling then Seagull. Seagulls larger sail area in the light wind allowed it to close down the other two yachts and at one time fouled with Kindling and towed it for about 20 yards. All three yachts landed at the same spot in the Hole and there was another 3 yacht collision. In the stramash to get out of the Hole it was Seagull who benefited from its shallower keel to just pip the other two over the line in a very close finish.

1. Seagull Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 37:14, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 37:30, 3. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 38:10, 4. Shangani Peter Sinclair, John Sutherland & Douglas Anderson 43:47, 5. Valhalla Allan Tait 45:40, 6. Eviedon Graham & Adam Robertson 49:22

7 Yachts lined up for both races with VitalSpark sailed by Graham and Adam Robertson making a welcome return to the loch after a refit. The wind was near beam from the west and at times was fresh although it constantly changed in strength. VitalSpark took off at pace and left the other 6 yachts vying for the remaining places. It became obvious it wasn’t going to be caught running both directions with a flat spinnaker.

1. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 19:13, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 22:05, 3. Seagull David Sutherland 26:41, 4. Valhalla Allan Tait 27:02, 5. Apollo Michael Paterson 28:48, 6. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 30:30

The wind for Race 2 stayed beam from the west. VitalSpark got away quickest again but landed on the shore just past the Chicken rock and suffered some gear damage that slowed its pace. Kindling was first to the top with Seagull close behind, but with a quick turnaround for Kindling who ran both ways without a spinnaker eased itself into a good lead. Seagull gave chase and reduced the gap but just couldn’t catch Kindling giving Kevin and Lewis Paterson their 3rd win of the year,

1. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 25:10, 2. Seagull David Sutherland 26:12, 3. Apollo Michael Paterson 30:06, 4. VitalSpark Graham & Adam Robertson 36:15

Today started promisingly with 6 Yachts lined up for the first race with Peter Sinclair making his first appearance of the season with Pioneer. The race started with a fresh southerly wind blowing straight down the loch. Apollo and Pioneer made the best progress on the first leg and managed to get to the top, turned round heading for home, just as the other 4 yachts were nearing the top goal. The wind suddenly dropped to nothing leaving Pioneer and Apollo drifting and the others struggling to get turned. The wind shifted toward the south-west and thankfully freshened again. A quick switch of Apollos spinnaker gave them a clear run home closely followed by Pioneer giving Michael Paterson and his new partner Donald Anderson the win.

1. Apollo Michael Paterson & Donald Anderson 34:53, 2. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 35:44, 3. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 38:05, 4. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 41:30, 5. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 44:15, 6. Valhalla Allan & Fraser Tait 44:54

The wind for Race 2 stayed fresh from south west and all the yachts stayed close together with Pioneer leading the field. The home run was close run but Pioneer could not be caught giving Peter Sinclair and John Sutherland a win.

1. Pioneer Peter Sinclair & John Sutherland 29:35, 2. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 30:11, 3. Seagull Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 30:35, 4. Valhalla Allan & Fraser Tait 31:59, 5. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 32:12, 6. Apollo Michael Paterson & Donald Anderson 34:13

Faced with a favourable steady, near beam, easterly wind. 7 Yachts lined up for the first race with Allan Tait giving his vintage (1965) yacht Boy Michael an outing for the first time in a number of years. Tempest being sailed by Innes Scollay and David Sutherland had the best first run turning first at the top goal for home. Kindling and Restlesswave both gave chase on the home run with Restlesswave making good progress in closing the gap but unfortunately Restlesswave was set a little tight, landed in the Hole. Kindling unable to close the gap on Tempest which gained its first win of the season with a very fast time.

1. Tempest Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 18:52, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 21:10, 3. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 23:02, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 26:02, 5. Apollo Michael Paterson & John Sutherland 30:04, 6. Valhalla Sandy & Adam Bremner 32:56

The wind for Race 2 changed slightly in direction to a more south easterly and fell away in strength. All of the yachts apart from Apollo fell away to the Short shore causing some to tack. Disaster struck for Tempest when they lost their rudder after striking a large rock so had to be withdrawn. Apollo had a run that, Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, would have been proud of turning at the top way ahead of the rest. Some spinnaker issues on the home run allowed Kindling and JollyRoger to close the gap a bit, but such was the lead and a bit of quick adjustment from John Sutherland the winner was never in doubt which was greeted by a loud roar from Michael Paterson as they crossed the line.

1. Apollo John Sutherland & Michael Paterson 29:15, 2. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 32:36, 3. JollyRoger Sandy & Adam Bremner 34:14, 4. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 34:59, 5. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 38:35, 6. Boy Michael Allan Tait 44:05

A mixed day of wind for the second week of sailing. 6 Yachts lined up for the first race in a light but steady South Easterly wind. All the yachts started from the far side hoping for a long reach on the first tack. Tempest got the best run to the top goal and were first to turn around heading for home. John Sutherland & Michael Paterson gave Apollo an outing and had a good first leg. Tempest looked like it was going to secure its first win but was set over tight and missed the goal ending up in the Hole. Kindling and Restlesswave both had a much better downwind run and overhauled Tempest in the final run across the startline. 3rd, 4th and 5th were separated by just 16 seconds which kept Hazel busy with her whistle and stopwatch.

1. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 26:12, 2. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:33, 3. Tempest Barry & Innes Scollay 28:27, 4. Apollo John Sutherland & Michael Paterson 28:32, 5. Seagull Innes Scollay and David Sutherland 28:43, 6. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 31:34

Race 2 was a non-event for 4 yachts. Seagull was withdrawn due to a breakage of the main sail boom and the loss of the earlier breeze left Aurora, Restlesswave and Tempest undersailed failing to make their way up the loch. No such problems for Kindling and Apollo who both made good progress in the first leg but it was Kevin and Lewis with Kindling who secured a double first with another strong spinnaker run.

1. Kindling Kevin & Lewis Paterson 36:25, 2. Apollo John Sutherland & Michael Paterson 39:56

Wick Model Yacht Club got the new season off to a great start on Saturday following a weeks delay caused by Storm Eeowyn. This is the clubs 99th year on Sarclet Loch.

Allan Tait and Sandy Bremner were making a welcome return to the loch sailing their yacht Valhalla and Barry and Innes Scollay were trialing their new yacht Tempest after a winter build. 6 Yachts lined up in a challenging strong southerly wind. 5 of the yachts Valhalla, Restlesswave, Aurora, Kindling and Seagull started their tacks from the far shore heading towards the shed with only the Tempest starting from the near shore heading towards the Hole and running the gauntlet of the yachts crossing the other way. Valhalla got off to the best start leading everyone to the top, closely followed by the Restlesswave. At the top goal Allan and Sandy ran into difficulties untangling their spinnaker allowing Graham and Adam Robertson to take advantage of a slick turn around and set off downwind on the home run. Archie and Fiona Miller had issues with their jib but a temporary repair allowed them to keep going. 5 of the 6 yachts finished with only Kevin and Michael Paterson with Kindling failing to finish due to some rigging issues.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 27:06, 2. Valhalla Allan Tait & Sandy Bremner 28:55, 3. Seagull Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 31:04, 4. Tempest Barry & Innes Scollay 35:17, 5. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 37:49

Race 2 was very similar to the first, with Valhalla again quickly out in the lead chased by Restlesswave. The other 4 yachts were close behind in what was a much closer race. There were a few close shaves for fouls with Kindling all 6kg of her bouncing off the side of the 23kg Seagull but luckily both progressed without incident. Valhalla first to turn around at the top this time without issues but it was eventually overtaken again by Restlesswave on the home run. The remaining fleet were keenly contesting position with only 1 minute separating 2nd to 5th place.

1. Restlesswave Graham & Adam Robertson 25:24, 2. Valhalla Allan Tait & Sandy Bremner 28:17, 3. Tempest Barry & Innes Scollay 29:02, 4. Aurora Archie & Fiona Miller 29:16, 5. Seagull Innes Scollay & David Sutherland 29:17, 6. Kindling Kevin & Michael Paterson 31:54