Scottish Optimist Traveller at Royal Gourock Yacht Club

Clear blue sky and the spectacular backdrop of the Cowal Hills greeted the Scottish Optimist Fleet to the first traveller of the new season, sailed under the flag of the Royal Gourock Yacht Club, which sees the boat designed in 1947 celebrating its 60th year.

Although the weather was unseasonally kind the predominant High pressure system did not offer the competitors a great deal of breeze to work with on the opening day. The RGYC Race Officer set a short windward leeward course and set the team off on time. Jack Gillespie, stepping up from the Regatta Fleet, upset the rankings by taking an early lead in the opening race. Despite fighting hard Jack G was ground down by the pack and eventually was passed on the final leg by James Logan, who took the first bullet of the season.

With a dying breeze and a strengthening ebb tide the PRO shortened the course for the second race of the day. The fickle conditions allowed a light and slippery Callum Airlie to take control of the main fleet by the windward mark.

Although being pushed hard by his elder sibling Drew, Callum held on to keep his brother and a fast-closing James Logan in his wake to bag the second race of the day.

A new face on the circuit, Alasdair Ireland from Dunoon, confidently led the way in the Regatta Fleet by winning the only race of the day.

The dying breeze, warm sunshine, the sound of the band striking up and the smell of the BBQ, forced the race officer to call a halt to the day's proceedings, and send the sailors ashore to sample the RGYC's sponsors - Thos. Auld, Bakers - prize winning pies.

Sunday dawned bright. However, the clear glass reflections on a bright blue Clyde, only disturbed by the wake of the passing ferries, left the PRO no option but to postpone the start of the day's racing. The sailors' patience was rewarded when the predicted SW breeze kicked in around lunchtime and quickly built to offer ideal conditions. Race 3 saw a good 3 way tussle between Tom Kemsley, Nathan Forrester and James Logan; experience and patience won the day with James taking the win in a close fought race. With time now short, the PRO sent the sailors off to the west on the final race of the day. The combination of tide and a wind convergence from the shore favoured those who chose the left side of the course. Read well by Callum Airlie, who popped out well ahead at the first weather mark leaving the remainder well in his wake; feet up for the remainder of the race.

The minor places were fought hard for and were secured by Ross Stanley-White and Nathan Forrester. The final overall results found a consistent James Logan heading the Fleet, but being pushed hard by an improving Callum Airlie.

The Regatta Fleet enjoyed a better day with the steadier breeze. A clean start and spirited racing saw Alasdair Ireland clinch a close first race ahead of Erin Kemsley. The second race again was close, with Jack Borrill taking the winning gun ahead. This was not enough to stop a buoyant Alasdair Ireland winning his first event.

The Scottish Optimist Class is supported by IOCA (UK) and RYA Scotland.

Overall Results:

Full results at www.scottish-optimists.org.uk