Findhorn Regatta Weekend
by Ian Ellis 22 Jul 2014 11:42 BST
12-13 July 2014
58 boats gathered at Findhorn on the morning of Saturday the 12th July for the annual regatta sponsored by Gael Force Marine. This year as part of the event were the RS Feva and 29er Scottish championships along with traveller events for Albacore, Phantom and Skiffs and Fast and slow handicap classes.
Unusually the fast and slow handicap has a variable split with boats with a PY between 1000 and 1120 able to choose which class to be in with the Fast Handicap racing held on the open sea alongside the Albacore, Phantom 29er and skiff classes and the slow handicap and Feva classes in the more sheltered waters of Findhorn Bay.
With light winds forecast Saturday a long haul for those out at sea ensued with towing being the order of the day to get everybody out. With a postponement and variable wind the race officer eventually managed to get a short race in although the wind refused to play ball and the courses for all classes were not ideal the race was completed.
The wind refused to settle and after a short wait the race officer made the decision to abandon the rest of the days racing and get everybody in before the tide became too strong.
In the bay similar conditions prevailed but with short courses and more time due to the proximity to the dinghy park 2 races were sailed.
Everyone gathered in the dinghy park packed away and hoped for better conditions on Sunday.
Sunday morning dawned cloudy and breezy but as race time neared the clouds broke and wind died with many of the fleet needing towing out to the start line for the second day running.
There was a light Northerly and the race officer got racing under-way after a short postponement. Slowly during the race the wind increases to a very pleasant force 3. The skiffs and 29ers sailing a windward leeward course raced round and managed to make up 1 of the missing races from the previous day with 4 quick fire races whilst the Albacore, Phantom and fast handicap classes sailed 2 races on a separate course.
In the bay the slow handicap and Feva classes completed their full quota of races for the weekend with 2 races in similar conditions a first race in lighter breeze and stronger tide made for tricky conditions but the increased breeze and reduced tide in the second race lead to very close racing with place changes happening all of the time.
After a disappointing Saturday, Sundays great conditions had put a smile on everybody's faces. With a large proportion of the fleet staying on for the hugely popular Findhorn week starting on the Monday with sailing and fun for all the family.
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