Northern 29ers at the RYA Scotland Academy Series

29ers at the RYA Scotland Academy Series © Andrew Robertson

29ers at the RYA Scotland Academy Series © Andrew Robertson

29ers at the RYA Scotland Academy Series © Andrew Robertson

Who would have thought it? Six 29ers started this year's RYAS Academy series most of them brand new to 29er sailing. A couple transitioning from RS Feva the rest new teams of Topper and Optimist combinations.

Now six months on and a lot of winter training under their belts these hardy sailors are all set for a busy season ahead, starting in less than two weeks time at the RYAS spring championships, including but not only, a GP event in Largs in May, and the Nationals in Wales in August. The spring championships is one of six events in the northern 29er Traveller series of which four have to count.

This weekend was the last of the RYAS 29er Academies, held at Loch Lomond sailing club. The sailors put all their knowledge and practice from the previous five academies and impromptu training on the Tay into a weekend of racing and boat speed. Saturday morning consisted of some nice breeze with a liberal dose of driech sleet and bitter cold. After a bit of cajoling all the sailors were on the water and the day improved as it went on. Sunday was considerably more pleasant, light breeze and glorious sunshine, which held all day.

29ers at the RYA Scotland Academy Series - photo © Andrew Robertson