Royal Tay Yacht Club Windward/Leeward Regatta

Both boats and sailors were tested at Royal Tay over the weekend of the 13th/14th September for their Windward /leeward Regatta which incorporated the Scottish and Northern Squib Championships in the difficult conditions. Forty-one boats took part in winds gusting over twenty knots for most of the weekend with unfortunately some damage to boats. It had been the intention to run three races on Saturday and two on Sunday but this was not to be.

Saturday saw the start for the Laser 4000’s and the Asymmetrics east of the moorings with the windward mark mid river which gave some spectacular gennaker and spinnaker legs. The other classes, the Squibs and the Dinghy Handicap, which saw a good spread of boats from Catamarans to Toppers and Mirrors started from the race box. Having enjoyed sailing his eight week old Musto Skiff, former Contender World Champion, Ian Renilson unfortunately broke the top section of his mast, just before the finish but was able to cross the line in first place in the Asymetric class with a new design of sail! As conditions were deteriorating Race Officer, Ron Lorimer made the decision to have no more racing on Saturday and was hopefully managing to fit in more races on Sunday by bringing the start forward.

Sunday saw conditions ease slightly initially although there were still some nasty gusts coming through. Alistair Stewart in Wavelength was leading the Squib Fleet overnight with Hugh Scott not far behind. Unfortunately due to an incident at the Craig Buoy during Sunday’s first race Hugh Scott had to retire due to boat damage. Steven Forteith (Oban) and Gordon Young (Helensburgh)in the Laser 4000’s were having good close racing as were the Dinghy fleet especially the Cats, and the Contender. With the Musto Skiff and the 18’ Skiff (Martin Wilkie) not racing due to damage the Int.14’s and the R.S.800 in the Asymetric class were fighting for the lead. Due to a wind shift there was a course change after races two and three before the short race four which after some consultation was the last race of the weekend. Although it was a hard weekend everyone seemed to enjoy the Regatta and were grateful to all who helped especially the hard worked safety crews.

Overall Results: