Banff Stavanger North Sea Yacht Race 2005

Last week saw an explosive finish to the annual Banff Stavanger North Sea Yacht Race with an impressive firework display at Macduff harbour on Wednesday night. The display temporarily interrupted the prizegiving party in the Fish Market attended by over 230 locals, sailors and club members.

The race started in Stavanger on Saturday 25th June with 13 boats on the line in a strong north westerly breeze. The wind took its toll and one boat retired shortly after the start with genoa problems. Another, "Mighty Duck", headed for shelter in Karmoy before resuming the race on Sunday morning. The fleet headed past Sleipner oil platform, the halfway point, in almost record time before the wind eased and went into the west. Despite a frustrating beat along the Banffshire coast against contrary tides, "Vela" of Stord skippered by Odd Olsen and with Banff SC member Kim Adams onboard crossed the line first after 42 hours and 39 minutes at sea. "Mighty Duck" was last in, but finished within the time limit with the youngest ever competitor onboard, 6 month old Jon Arild.

"Emilie" of Stavanger skippered by Stein Hatloy, won the non-spinnaker class. "Necesse" of KNS skippered by Odd Svendsen won the intermediate class. "Vela" won the spinnaker class and was first overall, with less than 30 minutes on corrected time separating the next three yachts.

The rejuvenated quayside activities at Macduff were a great success and on Tuesday and Wednesday the harbour was packed with locals and visitors enjoying the sunshine and boats.

For further details visit www.banffstavangeryachtrace.org.uk

Overall Results: