Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht Club Regatta 2015

Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC Regatta © Alex Peacock / Nadia McMinn

Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC Regatta © Alex Peacock / Nadia McMinn

Aberdeen & Stonehaven YC Regatta © Alex Peacock / Nadia McMinn

Four classes descended on Stonehaven over the Midsummer weekend to contest their Scottish championships. Local boats in each of the classes were joined by 21 visitors from as far afield as Nottinghamshire and Shetland to sample the delights of sailing in the North East.

Contrary to all the forecasts, Saturday dawned with a fresh southerly wind, made even more interesting with the tide pushing up through the course. With the forecast not looking good for the Sunday, a decision was made to try to run 4 races on the Saturday.

The RS400's were found to be the most keen to get racing, prompting several general recalls during the first race. The high standard of racing was evident from the off with close racing being found throughout the different fleets, with only boat lengths separating competitors as they crossed the line.

A significant wind shift close to the end of the third race prompted the race committee to finish racing for the day. This was welcomed by the fleet who then set about the evening BBQ and tried ably to drink the club bar dry. Those more adventurous headed onto the local beer festival, anticipating there being no racing in the light winds the next morning.

At the hallway stage, the Albacore fleet being the only one with a runaway leader from the days sailing, with Judy and Paul Armstrong showing the rest how to sail with three first places, putting them in a very commanding position. The RS200 fleet being the tightest at the top with a three way tie separating the podium positions.

Many of the fears for the light winds were realised on the Sunday, as a rather glassy water surface greeted the sailors. The PRO decided that he would get everyone out to at least have a look at getting in some racing. This decision was found to be the correct one, as a light wind started to fill in again from the South.

Again the theme of the previous day's racing continued, with tight tactical racing ensuing amongst the fleets. A dramatic downpour in the second race signalled the end of the wind, and the race was shortened as boats passed through the finish gate. This race then throwing up a few unusual results with the most prominent being Peter Taylor utilising knowledge from local crew Naomi Moran to good effect to sneak through in the light winds to take a race win in the RS400 class demo boat.

Overall Results: (top three in each class, 5 races)

Full results at www.asyc.org.uk