Scottish RS Feva Series Round 3 at Port Edgar Watersports Centre
by Matt Toynbee, RYA Scotland 4 Aug 2013 13:47 BST
3 August 2013
The third Feva event of the season saw boats descend on Port Edgar Watersports Centre. The unfavourable forecast and summer holidays contributed to a lower than normal attendance but it was encouraging to see a number of newer sailors attending their first Feva event.
With strong winds from early on the sailors spent the first part of the morning looking at spinnakers ashore as most had not had much experience of using kites before. Everyone got to have a go at hoisting, dropping and trimming the kite ashore with all the sailors glad to not be trying this for the first time afloat given the strong winds hurtling down the Forth. Thanks to the shelter from the boat shed there was limited movement although there was little doubt that out on the slipway the first Feva land sailing competition could be had but probably to the detriment of boats and sailors. A quick trip along to the end of the pier gave a great view out over the Forth and there was unanimous agreement that any sailing to be had over the afternoon would be inside of the harbour and in the shelter of the pier.
After lunch the initial hopes for an early start on the water were dashed with the nearby Forth Road Bridge with gusts of over forty five knots recorded high up on the carriageway. However, perseverance paid as after a short session ashore the wind abated enough for two intrepid Fevas to brave the conditions. Given the breeze the session on the water was limited to the east side of the harbour in the lee of the pier which in spite of the gusty conditions did give some shelter for the boats. Reacting to the gusts was the name of the game with both boats that made it out taking the odd dip in the tropical water in momentary concentration lapses.
Given the restricted sailing area the racing in the last part of the afternoon saw Feva racing meet the America's Cup with a reaching start and short first leg before returning through the start line. This made for exciting racing with the first race seeing both boats hit the line and battle for mark room on the short first reach. Catie/Susie just managed to roll Cole/Jamie to lead around the first mark and maintain this advantage to the finish.
The second race was shaping for a similarly close start but with Catie/Susie heaping pressure on themselves as they looked too early for the start, although a rouge gust hurtling round the pier and causing Cole/Jamie to capsize just off the committee boat end gave them an unopposed start. This left Catie/Susie just needing to stay upright to complete the course safely and take the event although the wind ensured they were kept on their toes with some monster gusts challenging them along the final leg. After two races and a few quick swims all the sailors were ready to return to the shore having put in great performances in difficult gusty conditions.
Thanks to Port Edgar for hosting this event and to all of the sailors who attended. A massive congratulations to the two boats who braved the challenging conditions and had a blast in the strong gusty winds. The next Feva event is at the Royal Tay Yacht Club on Saturday 24th August.