MYA Scottish District IOM Championship 2025 at Buchanness Radio Yacht Club

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness © Bill Odger

Wow! What a day of great sailing! Eleven skippers from six clubs thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and SSE/SE wind that gradually built from mid-A rig in the morning to top end B rig by the end of the event. The conditions vindicated the decision to postpone the event from two weeks previously due to the forecast very light and variable winds.

Eighteen races were completed on the usual windward-leeward course which used three long beats.

The event started with RO Ali Law providing an excellent briefing with particular focus on site safety and highlighting the fairness and enjoyment aspects of the RYA Racing Charter. It was emphasised that it was in everyone's interest to undertake penalties on the water in an expedient manner. Clearly, everyone paid attention and the racing was undertaken in a very sportsmanlike manner.

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger

The first three races were won by Tich Summers with his home designed and built sails and boat (Buzz 6). Making up the podium for these races were Ian Dundas (Corbie 6), Steve Taylor (Venti), John Owens (Venti) and Simon Thompson (BritPop!).

However, the next five races were all won by Steve Taylor. Podium places were taken by John Owens, Tich Summers, Dave Redpath (Corbie 6), Stewart Campbell (K2) and Gordon Allison (Alioth). Apart from Steve Taylor's domination, there were clearly places to race for and the event result was not a foregone conclusion with top-half fleet results distributed amongst a number of skippers and as the wind was steadily increasing.

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger

During lunch, a few of skippers decided to change to the B rig with others choosing to brave it out. Stewart Campbell was one of those who had chosen to change to the smaller B rig and it paid dividends for him taking wins in Races 9 and 10. It was at this stage that the rest of the fleet took the hint and also changed from A rigs to the smaller B rigs.

As the afternoon session progressed and as the wind continued to gradually increase, gear failures began to take their toll and sadly forced retirements from the event which saw the demise of Gordon Allison, Bob Wilson and Ian Davidson.

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger

However, Steve Taylor resumed where had left off in the morning session recording seven wins and three second places with Tich Summers also taking a first place. Stewart Campbell raced consistently recording second and third places to add to his two winning races. John Owens recorded a number of second and thirds with Ian Dundas and Simon Thompson keeping pressure on the leading boats. Dave Redpath was never to be written-off and Ted Johnston was having a better session than in the morning.

After eighteen races, by which time the wind had increased to top-end of B rig, many skippers had done considerably more than 10,000 steps! However, everyone had big smiles on their faces having thoroughly enjoyed the day. Sunshine, decent wind, great sailing location and very good sportsmanship - what more could you want?

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger

RO Ali Law announced the top three places and Mrs Campbell kindly presented the prizes. In third place was Tich Summers, second was John Owens and Steve Taylor was announced as the 2025 MYA Scottish District IOM Champion. Such was the closeness of the racing over eighteen races with three discards only four points separated second from fifth place.

Steve thanked the Buchanness club for hosting the excellent event and in particular thanked the race team of Ali Law, Bill Odger, Ian Thompson and Alan McKechnie.

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger

Overall Results:

MYA Scottish District IOM Championship at Buchanness - photo © Bill Odger