Final day thrills for model yachters
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THE final sailing day of Wick Model Yacht Club’s short season was one of the most exciting of this year.
The wind at Sarclet was light but favourable and all of the boats were fitted with their largest sails.
The first race began with the boats hugging the short shore with the Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, in the lead. On the return the Argo, sailed by Archie and Fiona Miller, gained although as it passed the “scarf” rock, the wind picked up driving both vessels towards the “hole”. The Apollo went in deep and the Argo took advantage of just brushing the edge to finish in first position.
The following Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson, and Valhalla, sailed by Sandy Bremner and Raymond Muir, also landed in the “hole”, with the Shangani, sailed by Tony Wilson, separating them as they crossed the finish line.
Results: 1, Argo, 24m; 2, Apollo, 24m 53s; 3, Shangani, 29m 51s; 4, Firewood, 31m 04s; 5, Valhalla, 31m 01s.
The second race, for the prestigious 1903 Cup, began with a mass start – the only race where all vessels begin at the same time. Usually fouls are common but not this time.
The Jolly Roger, sailed by Sandy Bremner and Raymond Muir, pulled ahead slightly but as it approached the halfway point it backfilled. Luckily it did not travel far before it was corrected but its position was lost.
The Apollo was the first to return followed by the recovered Jolly Roger.
The closer the model yachts got to the finish line the tighter the fleet became, so it was anyone’s race.
Results: 1, Jolly Roger, 26m 05s; 2, Shangani, 27m 24s; 3, Firewood, 27m 32s; 4, Argo, 28m 50s; 5, Apollo, 31m 50s.
In the evening the prize-giving was hosted at the Old Smiddy Inn, Thrumster, which had donated trophies for the club’s junior members.
The most successful model yachts from the 4ft and 5ft classes were the Apollo, with 55 points, and Argo, with 25 points.
The fastest time of the year was 20m 46s achieved by Apollo.
The best overall junior was Lucia Sinclair, with 23 points
Model yachting will begin again in February next year.
For more details check the website at wmyc.site90.com
