Loch Long Week 2007 at Cove Sailing Club

by Jimmy Robinson 7 Aug 2007 06:48 BST 22-27 July 2007

Perfect conditions for the 2007 Loch Long Week © Jo Ransome & Lee Robinson

Steady breeze and only a spattering of rain proved to be perfect conditions for the 2007 Loch Long Week, hosted by Cove Sailing Club. The Douglas Gill and J F Marine sponsored event attracted boats from Cove, Gourocck and three had made the 1000 mile round trip from the beautiful Suffolk village of Aldeburgh. The newest of the visiting boats, Fiona, had only sailed a single race before making the gruelling journey to the Clyde having been delivered from the boat yard only a matter of days earlier; testament to the longevity of this one design class which is now in its 70th year. Racing started slightly later than planned on the Sunday while the customary South Westerly filled in. When it did eventually come it was to remain constant for almost the entire week, which made the Race Officer's job considerably easier. By the end of day one previous event winner Mark Bradshaw, in his newly refurbished yacht Pamina, had a commanding lead with only 3 points on the board. Second place was held by Aldeburgh helm, Jimmy Robinson, only a few points clear of Royal Gourock's, Ian Harris, and Cove's, Alan Devenny, both of who were also previous event winners.

Day two provided much the same as the first and saw Bradshaw reach the half way point having won every race. It looked as if the remaining competitors would be fighting for the runners up position. Day three, however, provided a break for Harris in Iceni who managed to take wins from both races. Bradshaw could only manage an 11th and 2nd, but with the discards starting to come into effect he retained a comfortable lead. The remaining podium positions were still wide open with Electra, Pippin, Bora and Sula all in contention.

After a night of revelry at Cove Burgh hall and a break from sailing on Wednesday, Bradshaw was back on form taking both races again and winning the championship with a day in hand. Harris was also confirmed runner up following a 2nd and 5th.

With only one race left to sail and some professional pride to preserve, the final day looked set to provide some exciting racing. The steady breeze that had proved to be a feature of the week held and the racing didn't disappoint. Defending champion Alan DeVenny managed to take a second in the race which put him into 3rd spot overall, while Jimmy Robinson and Duncan Farquhar were relegated to 4th and 5th respectively.

It was encouraging to see the younger members of Cove Sailing Club making an impression on the fleet. Under-21 helm John McMurtrie, with sister Catriona as crew, managed a very respectable 6th place and is showing considerable promise against some very experienced racers.

For Mark Bradshaw and his brother David as crew, yet another first place in the final race provided a fitting end to what had been an exceptional display of sailing. It has been a long time in Loch Long history since anyone has counted only 8 points from the 10 race series.

A big thank you to everyone that supported the event, but especially to our sponsors who make the event possible.

Next year the event will be held in Aldeburgh from the 20th to 25th July. 30 to 40 entries are expected, fun racing on the small river (or ditch as the Scots call it)!