T2 Challenger Travellers' Series at Loch Venachar Sailing Club
by Stephen Thomas Bate 14 May 2018 20:38 BST
12-13 May 2018
A close start during the T2 Challenger Travellers at Loch Venachar © Enid McPartlin
The second event of Sailability Scotland SCIO's Challenger Traveller event took place at Loch Venachar Sailing Club. The weekend was blessed with warm sun, breathless views, great food, and great camaraderie amongst the competitors, supporters, and helpers. Many thanks must go to Keith Wilson and Loch Venachar Sailing Club for hosting the event.
The event started on Saturday at 13:00 after a light wind postponement and all sailors were keen to be on the water and racing. The first race of the day was won by Stephen Thomas Bate, his first race win after four years of trying. So it is true that persistence pays off. But it was new comer to Challenger racing Jessica Campbell who stole the show and highlighted her racing experience. At the end of day one, three sailors had the same number of points, so it was all to play for the next day.
Sunday started on schedule, but the wind was constantly shifting and changing in strength. Despite the lead being held by Stephen Thomas Bate for the best part of race one, he fell back to third just meters from the finish line. Race two was going to be a crunch race but it saw Stephen Thomas Bate miss the start and at the back of the pack. Despite making up some places nothing could be done to overhaul the eventual race and regatta winner Jessica Campbell.
All the races had close finishes due to the changing wind but it was nice to see different people winning.
Thanks go to Ronnie Ritchie and Robin Scott for tireless shore support. Many thanks also go to Mr Boyd Tunnock MBE of Tunnocks for sponsorship of the Traveller series.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st Jessica Campbell
2nd Stephen Thomas Bate
3rd Alexander Hodge
Everyone is now looking forward to the next regatta being hosted by the Solway Yacht Club at Kippford. This event incorporates the Scottish Open Challenger Championship. Details of this event, including booking and NOR can be found at webcollect.org.uk/syc/event/sailability-scotland-tt-challenger-class-regatta-2018
Sailability Scotland SCIO supports disabled sailing in Scotland. Having a disability is not required to sail Challengers but a love of sailing really helps. Many clubs around Scotland have Challengers, including Loch Venachar Sailing Club, and you would be welcome to take part in our traveller series. Please visit www.sailabilityscotland.org.uk for more information.