Enterprise Scottish Area Championships at Forfar Sailing Club

Enterprise Scottish Area Championships at Forfar © Helen Wiles

There were seven visitors, but unfortunately no home boats as Tony Walker was unfit to 'play' through injury. Saturday saw a light and flukey northerly breeze, which at Forfar makes it very difficult to set a course with much of a beat.

Race 1: A reaching start was inevitable and Loz Young crewed by Duncan Willoughby got away well to lead for the first lap and a half. Behind them Rob & Olivia Wilkins were holding off Charles & Alison Morrish for second place. While they were battling it out, Paul Young & Emma Coleman sailed deep on the reach to pass both and take second for themselves while Callum Gibb & Mhairi Ogilvie pulled through to third.

Disaster struck Loz & Duncan in the form of an unexpected hole, and while they were parked four boats slipped by. Paul & Emma took first, Callum & Mhairi were second and Charles & Alison third.

Race 2: The race officer was now able to set a course with a beat, albeit a very short one, but it was enough to make things more interesting. Charles & Alison got away well to grow a substantial lead but at the leeward end of the course they were becalmed and were caught as the breeze brought up the pursuing boats. Paul & Emma took the lead but Charles & Alison were able to get back ahead on the beat and hold on to take the gun.

Race 3: After another reaching start Loz, Paul and Charles arrived at the first mark together. Paul managed to get in front but by the end of the short beat Charles & Alison had taken first place with Loz & Duncan third. Paul & Emma again closed on the leaders at the now notorious 'parking lot' and led up the next leg but were again caught on the beat by Charles & Alison who went on to take the gun.

After an evening of great entertainment, a ceilidh, good food and much beer the weary sailors retired for the night.

Sunday dawned with a strengthening westerly, ideal conditions at Forfar for a long first beat.

Race 4: Charles & Alison got the best start at the starboard end of the line to build a comfortable lead towards the end of the first lap. They then nearly missed the next mark of the course, but for a very sporting shout from Paul in the second placed boat. Paul & Emma closed at the end of lap 2 but Charles & Alison managed to pull away on the beat. Meanwhile Rob & Olivia were going well in third until they went swimming following a gybe on the run. Loz & Duncan took advantage to pull through to third.

Race 5: At this point Paul & Emma needed to take first to win the event with Charles & Alison finishing third or worse. Charles & Alison again started at the starboard end while Loz & Duncan went for a port end flyer, It looked good for a moment but then they had to bail out as they realised they weren't quite going to clear all the starboard tack boats.

Charles & Alison were first to the windward mark and from that point on they were never caught. Paul & Emma sailed well to claim second and Loz & Duncan came in third.

Overall Results: