SailingFast Scottish Optimist Traveller at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club

SailingFast Scottish Optimist Traveller at Dalgety Bay SC © Marc Turner / www.pfmpictures.co.uk

This year's Youth and Junior Regional Championships were on the 21st & 22nd September, held at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, a beautiful venue just to the east of the Forth Bridges.

Most would agree the conditions on Saturday were quite hairy. With wind against tide, huge waves began pounding the intricate coastline, and what had been an easterly breeze in the morning picked up to a very strong wind by noon. It was so strong, in fact, that some of the younger and smaller sailors decided to head to shore, as sailing in those conditions was rather risky for them. Despite that, however, the race committee still gave us four races, exactly as scheduled. At the end of this long day on the water, Rory Gifford was holding first place, followed by Alex Cogan, and finally me, William O'Keefe.

At first, Sunday seemed like a repeat of the previous day; strong winds, large waves, and a bit of sun. Throughout the day, though, the wind gradually decreased (to some of the larger sailors' disappointment). As we had done the scheduled amount of races on Saturday, the boats on the Alpha course needed only two more races! Following these competitive and tense contests, we all loosened off with a fun race. Few of us knew the course, or how it all worked, but it great to be on the same course as the Toppers, and end the day of racing on a high note.

We also had a surprise fly-by from a large grey navy helicopter, which was soon followed by the brand new aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales!

Overall Results:

1st Boy and Overall - Rory Gifford
2nd Boy and Overall - Alex Cogan
3rd Boy and Overall - Me!

1st Girl - Sophie Kennedy
2nd Girl - Macy Law
3rd Girl - Cara Russell

The regatta fleet also had some great racing, albeit closer to shore.

Regatta Fleet Results:

1st - Theodore Stalin
2nd - Andrew Vella

I think we all really enjoyed this fun event; sailors, parents, coaches, and helpers. Over the course of the whole weekend, the club's kitchen continued to produce, as if by magic, wonderful food for sailors after their long days. The race committee ran races quickly and efficiently, and the team on shore got everyone on and off the water smoothly.

Thanks to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club and loads of volunteers who made this event possible. I'm sure all the competitors are looking forward to the next SailingFast Traveller.