Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Tour at Largo Bay Sailing Club

by John MacKenzie 26 Jun 2019 10:41 BST 22-23 June 2019

The forecast didn't look good for the latest event in the Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Tour at Largo Bay. Light shifting winds with the prospect of rain. In fact competitors were rewarded with glorious champagne conditions, even if they had to wait a little while for the breeze to arrive.

On Saturday Stewart and Sarah Robertson set the standard, sailing their own race taking the first of five consecutive bullets. Showing why they are national and European title holders in the class, they sailed a near flawless regatta to win overall.

For the rest of the eleven strong fleet the battles were intense. Hester Robertson and Richard Hope had an inconsistent regatta, showing strong pace in the first race each day, challenging the Robertsons. Second place in the first and fourth race showed their strong potential. Visitor to the fleet John Wilson, sailing with Ben (how do you get this kite down) Robertson also showed good pace, mixing it with John MacKenzie/Andy Box and Bob and Nadia Yeamans. Wilson/Robertson took the win in the last race, no doubt after frantic calculations told them that if they didn't there was a risk they might have to do the write up.

The sponsors generous support meant that competitors were treated to a Largo Bay Sailing Club barbecue on the beach, with a warm breeze, sunshine and beer. Those with energy to spare moved to the Railway Inn to share the usual stories of sailing battles won and lost. The attempt at beer pong on the beach was quietly abandoned when players realised that the blow up ball was useless in the wind, and the replacement hurt!

Highlight for all was probably the last race. Sunday opened with no wind, and the race officer wisely postponed. However it filled in, and a couple of races were held in a building but unstable breeze. The PRO had been setting long courses with long races, and after a quick course change, the last race was held in a solid force 3 to 5.

Showing just how competitive the Scottish fleet is, after a long beat, pretty much everyone arrive at the first mark at the same time. Fleet regulars Mike Grant and Alan Birse found good upwind speed and were mixing it with the leaders at the top mark, and battled through to secure their best result of the regatta.

No matter where you were in the fleet, after popping the kite at the top mark everyone was treated to a spectacular long blast at top speed in sun and waves. It doesn't get any better.

Overall Results:

Pos	Helm	Crew	Club	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Pts
1	Stewart Robertson	Sarah Robertson	RFYC	1	1	1	1	1	‑12	5
2	John Wilson	Ben Robertson	DBSC	3	2	2	‑6	3	1	11
3	John MacKenzie	Andy Box	DBSC	‑5	3	3	3	2	3	14
4	Bob Yeamans	Nadia Yeamans	ASYC	4	4	4	‑7	4	2	18
5	Jamie Rogers	Neil McLaren	Holy Loch SC	‑7	5	5	5	5	4	24
6	Hester Robertson	Richard Hope	DBSC	2	‑9	8	2	7	7	26
7	Angus Marshall	Imogen Barnett	DBSC	6	6	6	4	‑12	12	34
8	Hannah Robertson	Jenny Douglas	RFYC	8	8	‑9	8	6	6	36
9	Phil Britton	Mike Atkinson	DBSC	‑10	10	10	9	8	5	42
10	Martin Booth	Olly Smith	RFYC	9	7	7	10	9	‑12	42
11	Mike Grant	Alan Birse	Largs SC	‑11	11	11	11	10	8	51