Chilly Conditions, Warm Competition at the Largs Sailing Club New Year Race
by Alastair Kent 5 Jan 18:02 GMT
Largs Sailing Club New Year Race © Gordon Cochrane & Alan Henderson
The sailing season at Largs Sailing Club got off to a exciting start with the Optimum Time New Year's Race, delivering sunny but bracing winter conditions, close racing and an impressive turnout on the water.
Despite the cold, 28 boats launched for the first race of the year, making the most of a stiff north-westerly breeze. The fleet was rewarded with competitive racing across the classes, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
Race 1 got under way with a busy start line as the majority of the fleet battled for the favoured starboard end. The breeze continued to build through the race, easing only slightly on the final laps. Tight mark roundings kept the pressure on, with boats jostling for position at every opportunity. The tighter reach to the wing mark proved testing for the asymmetric boats, while the non-spinnaker classes thrived, enjoying fantastic reaching conditions across the top of the course.
A swift course reset, as the wind increased to 18-19 knots, set the scene for an equally exciting Race 2 which delivered some sporty conditions. Boats heading right to the Largs shore on the opening beat were rewarded with less tide and a favourable shift, allowing the slower boats to make it to the windward mark just behind the quicker boats (in theory!) who had chosen the left-hand side in the main channel. As the pressure built, the Hurricane came into its own, blasting through five laps with impressive upwind speed. Meanwhile, racing within the main pack of D-Zeros, Solos, ILCAs, GPs and Enterprises remained close and competitive, even as fatigue began to set in after a full-on sail in classic Scottish winter conditions.
Credit must go to the race officials for setting a tight course that kept the racing intense, full of corners, and ensured accurate finish times despite a flurry of boats charging across the line. It was a bitterly cold day for the three RIB crews, who did a superb job managing a few capsized boats in between laying some great courses.
Overall honours went to Dave and Ian Kent of Largs Sailing Club, who claimed victory in their Hurricane 5.9 after a strong and consistent performance. Their win was followed by a tightly contested Solo class, with Kevin Gibb of Largo Bay securing second place and Stuart Gibson of CCC taking third.
A standout performance also came from ILCA 6 sailor Kate Shelley of Largs Sailing Club, who was the best-placed youth sailor of the day.
The event was supported by Optimum Time, whose sponsorship included prizes for the competitors - ensuring that there will be no excuses on the start line for the winners in the future.
With the New Year's Race now complete, attention turns to the rest of the season. Largs Sailing Club will shortly publish its 2026 race calendar, while the popular Frostbite Series is set to begin on 22nd February. Visiting sailors are warmly welcomed, with plenty of time beforehand for winter maintenance, or a bit of relaxed bimbling before returning to the water.