Newburgh Race at Perth Sailing Club

Perth to Newburgh Race © Bob Watson

Perth to Newburgh Race © Bob Watson

Perth to Newburgh Race © Bob Watson

On Tuesday 3rd July the ACH race series continued. Eight boats entered the first race and it was Euan McDonald who led from start but was overtaken by Eric Taylor on the last lap who crossed the line in first place with Andrew Porteous in his Albacore third. Seven boats entered for the second race of the evening with Andrew Porteous crewed by Kieren Foley-Hall in his Albacore who led for the first two laps only to be pipped at the post by Euan MacDonald in his Aero 7 with Jim Galloway (Solo) in third position.

Ten boats took part in Wednesday's evening racing. The wind was a light westerly and slightly cooler than of late. It was Jim Galloway's (Solo) leading to the first mark of a figure of eight course with Leonie Poor (Mirror) in a good position, then Andrew Porteous (Solo) with Euan MacDonald (Aero 7) gaining ground. Euan was fractionally ahead of Jim at the second lap and Hunter Williamson (Solo) close behind. First over the line was Jim Galloway followed by Euan with Hunter in third position. The course was shortened for the second race of the evening with Euan McDonald, Jim Galloway, Andrew Porteous (Solo) Doug Ogilvie(Miracle), Munro Gauld (RS Quest) all having having a very close race for first place on lap one. It was Jim Galloway first over the line with Hunter Williamson second and Euan third.

Eight boats took part in Thursday's evening ACH races in a force 5/6. It was Euan MacDonald leading the way in the bright sunlight with Peter Bevan (Streaker) and John Ferguson (Feva) following closely behind. Cadet Ivan Kossko (Laser 4.7) was stuck in irons at the windward mark. Euan was still leading by sticking to the North shore on his way to the downwind mark while Peter Bevan was keeping up with John Feguson who was flying the Spinnaker on the Feva. Euan experienced a dry capsize at mark C and Ivan dry capsized twice in front of the clubhouse. Peter Bevan was first over the line with Euan second and John Ferguson third. Ivan came in a very creditable fourth after handicap was taken into account. The fleet increased by one to nine boats for the second race of the evening. Jack Wright sailing the club's Laser took an early lead in the three lap race but Hunter, Euan and Andrew were all gaining on him. Jack though managed to hold them all off and crossed the line in first place, Andrew in second and only a second between Euan and Peter Bevan in third and fourth place.

Saturday 7th July saw a return to the Points Series with five boats taking part. It was Sam Gleave sailing a Laser that was first over the line, with Doug Ogilvie (Miracle) second and Andrew Porteous (Solo) third. The same five boats took part in race two and it was Andrew home first with Doug second and Peter third.

Perth to Newburgh

On Sunday 8th July the annual down river race to Newburgh Sailing Club took place. We had a near record turnout of twelve boats taking part. Conditions were a strong force 5 to 6 westerly. It was Jack Douglas (Solo) who took the windward mark first before heading down wind towards Newburgh closely followed by the Watson's in their Enterprise with John Ferguson/Jim Galloway in the Albacore. John & Jim took an early lead and by the time the fleet had reached Sleepless Inch the faster boats had built up an early lead.

Peter Bevan crewed by Cadet Orry Graham deployed the spinnaker on their Miracle and by keeping to the North Shore were keeping pace with the leaders. The wind strength increased as the boats reached the open waters of the Tay and there were numerous capsizes by both Sam Gleave and James Curley in their Lasers. In the middle of the fleet the Watson Enterprise was holding its own against the RS Quest sailed by Euan MacDonald and Rick Raeburn, whilst at the back of the fleet Leonie Poor (Mirror), Ivan Kossko (Laser 4.7) and the RS Quest crewed by Munro Gauld and Felicity Graham were maintaining good progress.

Just south to the exit of the River Earn Doug Ogilvie and Audrey Roberson (Enterprise) came to grief as the boat capsized and inverted. Rescue was on hand to provide assistance in righting the boat. Although they decided to retire they did continue to sail on towards Newburgh. There were no further mishaps as the fleet continued to the finish line at Newburgh. The order over the line was John Ferguson/Jim Galloway (Albacore) first followed by James Curley (Laser), Peter Bevan / Cadet Orry Graham (Miracle) second Andrew Porteous/Keiran Foley-Hall Albacore third and fourth over the line Jack Douglas (Solo).

There was more hard work ahead as the fleet turned for home as they were sailing in a strong, head-on gusting westerly wind against a strong outgoing tide. It was a credit to those who did manage to make the journey back home without assistance covering a total distance of some 20 miles sailed from start to finish. The rescue boats crews had a challenging experience towing back the remaining fleet and thanks go to Hunter Williamson, Anna Hughes and their respective crews providing rescue cover for the event.

The club would like to thank John Cameron and the fellow members of Newburgh Sailing Club for taking the race times and providing much needed refreshments for all those taking part.

Tues 3rd Race 1:
1st RS Aero (E.MacDonald)
2nd Cormorant (E.Taylor)
3rd Woodpecker (J.Galloway)

Tues 3rd Race 2:
1st RSAero7 (E.MacDonald)
2nd Woodpecker (J.Galloway)
3rd Kelpie (A.Porteous/K.Foley-Hall)

Wed 4th Race 1:
1st Woodpecker (J,Galloway)
2nd Whoof (H.Williamson)
3rd Boufles (D.Ogilvie/F.Graham)

Wed 4th Race 2:
1st Woodpecker (J.Galloway)
2nd Whoof (H.Williamson)
3rd Boufles (D.Ogilvie/F.Graham)

Thurs 5th Race 1:
1st Marsh Daisy (P.Bevan)
2nd Feva Pitch (J.Ferguson)
3rd Whooper (A. Porteous)

Thurs 5th Race 2:
1st Laser (J.Douglas)
2nd Whoof (H.Williamson)
3rd Whooper (A.Porteous)

Sat 7th Race 1:
1st Laser (S.Gleave)
2nd Boufles (D. Ogilve)
3rd Whooper (A.Porteous)

Sat 7th Race 2:
1st Boufles (D. Ogilvie)
2nd Ptarmigan (P.Bevan)
3rd Whooper (A. Porteous)

Sun 8th Newburgh Cup:
1st Peter Bevan & Orry Graham (Miracle)
2nd Leonie Poor (Mirror)
3rd James Curley (Laser)