Sailability Scotland Challenger Traveller Series at Lochaber Yacht Club

Challenger Travellers at Lochaber © Karen Dean

Seven boats arrived on Friday afternoon to a great welcome from members of Lochaber Yacht Club who helped prepare the boats for the second event in the Scottish Challenger Traveller Series. There was bright sunshine but little to no wind across the spectacular scenery around Fort William. Unfortunately the forecast indicated that this windless state could persist all weekend. Fortunately it did not.

Saturday was a beautiful morning and the sun was shining but there was not a lot of wind. Then out of nowhere a breeze came from the north east and filled the whole of Loch Linnhe. The race officer was keen to get the boats on the water and the racing started. After a quick briefing a large triangular course was set and Hamish shepherded the boats and sailors on to the water.

Race 1 got away Duncan Greenhalgh (280) was first to the windward mark and extended for the rest of the race. John McPartlin (236) followed in second place for most of the race but was unfortunately disqualified for an incident near a mark. Alan Gillman (212) and Dorothy Bennett (237) forgot to go through the gate, so that was three boats without a result. Not a good start. However Steve Laycock (3), Lynn Steward (238) and Zoe McPartlin (234) finished in that order delighted with their results. The boats returned to shore for a delightful lunch soup and various filled rolls.

Challenger Travellers at Lochaber - photo © Karen Dean

As soon as the boats were launched for Race 2, the wind went for lunch! It was impossible to sail against the increasing tide. Boats were swept down the loch and the vigilant safety boats were kept busy bringing them back to the start area. After a short postponement a light breeze started to fill the loch and several miles away up the Great Glen a big storm could be seen developing with the cold air dropping off snow covered Ben Nevis.

The race started in hope more than expectation that the breeze would last enough for boats to sail against the strengthening tide and light breeze. Duncan misjudged the start and was OCS, raising the hopes of the other sailors. The strong tide caught many boats out at the marks in the first lap resulting in many difficult turns. By the start of lap 2 the katabatic wind started to arrive presenting the best wind of the weekend with some swift reaches. John had his best result finishing behind Duncan, with Steve and Alan battling it out for 3rd and 4th. Zoe had a good start but was caught on port by Duncan rounding the first mark.

Race 3 started with the strongest current and with a declining wind. Many boats were caught out again at marks. The wing mark was particularly problematic and had to be approached close hauled! Experience showed with Duncan finishing with a big lead. Alan had his best finish of second in front of John third. Lynn and Zoe finished a creditable fourth and fifth in the difficult conditions.

Challenger Travellers at Lochaber - photo © Karen Dean

The fleet retired to the Clan Macduff Hotel for a decent meal and some liquid refreshments. The day's sailing was discussed and there was laughter at the many mistakes everyone had made. The sailors were looking forward to the last two races on Sunday.

Sunday dawned with bright sunshine and no breeze. However the forecast SW wind arrived in time for a prompt start. The breeze picked up to a very steady F3 touching 4 at times and provided champagne sailing for the fleet (even if it was several degrees colder than Saturday).

Race 4 started with most of the boats near the start line staying as a fleet to the first mark, Duncan managed to round the windward mark first and powered away to take an easy win. The race behind was fierce with Zoe giving Stephen and Alan a scare. Unfortunately she miscalculated the strong flood tide which built during the race and allowed Lynn through to take fourth. By this time, Lynn was feeling the cold and decided to head for shore.

Duncan made a relaxed start to Race 5. His position, a little distance from the favoured starboard pin end of the start line tempted Stephen and Alan to try to put him in a sandwich! However with a better sail setting and using the small wind shift he escaped their trap. Alan was left in dirty wind and Stephen dropped back. Duncan was left in clear air and had an easy cruise to the finish.

The finishing order of the top three in the final race cemented the order of the top three for the event: Duncan first, Steve then Alan. A fourth place for Zoe in the last race was not enough for her to overhaul Lynn and she had to settle for fifth overall.

The weekend closed with thanks to all the volunteers from the club who always treat the visitors as VIPs. An invitation inviting us return next year was wholeheartedly accepted. Thanks also to Sir Boyd Tunnock whose support enables Sailability Scotland to subsidise the entry fees. The weary visitors stoked up the wood burner in the club house and got a carry out meal from the best Indian restaurant in Fort William.

Overall Results: