New Year Races at Largs Sailing Club

Largs New Year Races © Alan Henderson

Largs New Year Races © Alan Henderson

Largs New Year Races © Alan Henderson

After a number of Scotland's Christmas Regattas were either blown off or cancelled due to no wind, Largs Sailing Club's 2015 season got off to a blustery start.

A cold southerly 14kt wind, gusting into the high teens, with big waves, welcomed 25 competitors from at least 5 Scottish clubs all keen to burn off some seasonal excess calories. Seven Solos, two lasers and two 420s, two RS200s and two 29 ers formed the backbone of a mixed fleet most of whom survied to race three back to back races. Big gusts at the end of a long beat caught out a few boats, who enjoyed early season swims,and this seemed to be recipe for all three races. Big grins at the end of exciting runs with lots of surfing were evident in most crews, who certainly had their work cut out.

In race 1 Kevan Gibb, in his Solo, from Largo Bay SC held off local sailor Ross McLean, is his Laser Radial, to win by 8 secs on corrected time.

In race 2 Harris Carwright, in his Oppie, sailed a brilliant race to hold off the two all girl crewed 420s of Bryant/ Harper and Mawer/ Coles with just a minute separating the three boats. Kevan Gibb again led the Solos home in 4th place.

In Race 3 Rachel Mawer and Rebecca Coles, in the 420, sailed a solid race and stayed upright to lead home another Solo, this time helmed by Robbie Wilson, followed by Sophie Taylor in a Laser 4.7 and Kevan Gibb again sailing strongly to finish again in 4th place. Less than a minute split the first four boats which emphasizes how close the racing was all day.

Kevan Gibb sailed a consistent set of races to win the the event overall. He must be looking forward to the 2015 Solo Nationals which are in Scotland later this year.

Overall Results: