SailingFast Scottish Optimist Traveller Round 2 at Peterhead Sailing Club

Rory Gifford wins the SailingFast Scottish Optimist Traveller at Peterhead © Antony Gifford

On the 7th-8th September the Optimist sailors headed to Peterhead for the second event in the Scottish SailingFast traveller series.

Saturday morning started off windy and drizzly, but by the time we were rigged and ready to launch the sun was shining and the wind breezy, a perfect sailing day. Racing was delayed as we had to wait for for commercial ships to come in and out, a novel experience. We were soon under way with Rory Gifford being a clear leader in all 3 races, followed closely by William O'Keefe, the next three boats were only separated by one point it was all to play for on Sunday!

The next morning we woke to sun and lighter winds. The race officer had us launched within no time at all, we were really exited and looking forward to a great day of competitive racing. Rory and William remained ahead of everyone with Ben Ruairi and Sophie battling for 3rd place. At the end of the day Rory Gifford got a well deserved 1st place followed by William O'Keefe and then myself Sophie Kennedy in 3rd place.

Meanwhile the regatta fleet had two busy days of sailing completing eight races, congratulations to Finlay Richie for winning the regatta fleet and Euan McGougan for placing 2nd.

A massive thanks to Peterhead Sailing Club for making us most welcome, keeping us well fed throughout the whole weekend. Thank you to the race officer and his team for running a great event!

The Optimist fleet are now looking forward to the third SailingFast Traveller and RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championship at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on 21st-22nd September.

Overall Results:

1st Boy Rory Gifford (1st Overall)
2nd Boy William O'Keefe (2nd Overall)
3rd Boy Ben Homer (4th Overall)

1st Girl Sophie Kennedy (3rd Overall)
2nd Girl Cara Russell (8th Overall)
3rd Girl Clementine Perratt (10th Overall)