Mixed conditions for Wick Model Yacht Club
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MEMBERS of Wick Model Yacht Club have experienced a mix of conditions at Loch Sarclet in recent weeks, with race victories going to Restless Wave and Apollo.
Sailing on March 16 began in very light winds, with each yacht fitted with its largest sails in an attempt to capture the slight puffs of wind.
Boats were moving so slowly that they could not complete the race distance within the allotted one-hour time limit, so the first race was abandoned.
The second race, after a brief interval, was much improved. The wind had increased enough to fill the spinnakers, and although the boats still meandered down the loch they did make reasonable progress.
Results: 1 Restless Wave, Graham and Adam Robertson, 34.32; 2 Apollo, Donald McWilliam, 34.39; 3 Skua, Barry and Innes Scollay and David Sutherland, 35.53.
March 23 brought a bright day with an off-beam wind blowing west to east, meaning the yachts were fitted with flat spinnakers for the outward leg and the sailors had a choice of a small balloon or flat spinnaker for the return.
A steady beam wind also results in a fast day’s sailing. The boats if set correctly could sail directly from end to end – the fastest, shortest path.
From race start the Blue Haze commanded a lead, aided by the Restless Wave and Apollo fouling just metres beyond the startline. On the return, with small balloon spinnakers fitted, the Blue Haze stopped at the Point for adjustment and the Restless Wave had closed the gap to pass the stranded Blue Haze awaiting arrival of its sailor.
Results: 1 Restless Wave, Graham and Adam Robertson, 20.30; 2 Blue Haze, Kevin and Lewis Paterson, 21.29; 3 Apollo, Donald McWilliam, 27.46; 4 Fulmar, Innes Scollay and David Sutherland, 29.57.
The second race of the day was contested between the Restless Wave and the Blue Haze. The Blue Haze held the lead for three-quarters of the race but as they passed the shed the Restless Wave, moving faster, gained the lead to win.
The Fulmar, a 57-year-old model yacht sailed by David Sutherland in his younger days in the 1970s, was resurrected from storage – now sailing with his grandson Innes, passing his knowledge on to the next generation.
Results: 1 Restless Wave, Graham and Adam Robertson, 26.31; 2 Blue Haze, Kevin and Lewis Paterson, 26:51; 3 Apollo, Donald McWilliam, 30.46; 4 Fulmar, Innes Scollay and David Sutherland, 34:10.
On March 30 the yachts were fitted with small sails as the conditions were blustery from the startline, with flat or small balloon spinnakers chosen.
The Blue Haze was first at the returning goal to have the spinnaker removed, followed closely by the Restless Wave and Apollo.
On the return the Restless Wave, moving quickly, collided with the leading Blue Haze – resulting in both vessels about-turning. The Apollo took advantage of this opportunity to complete the race.
Results: 1 Apollo, Donald McWilliam, 22.28; 2 Restless Wave, Graham and Adam Robertson, 23.02; 3 Aurora, Archie and Fiona Miller, 25.17; 4. Blue Haze, Lewis Paterson, 26.17.
The last race of the day was closely contested with the Apollo, Restless Wave and Aurora crossing the finish line almost nose to tail.
Results: 1 Apollo, Donald McWilliam, 21.26; 2 Restless Wave, Graham and Adam Robertson, 21.40; 3 Aurora, Archie and Fiona Miller, 22.06; 4 Blue Haze, Lewis Paterson, 26.59.
