Pentland Firth sailors blow away winter cobwebs
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The wind blew from the east at a steady 15 mph, giving ideal conditions for the sailors to get rid of the winter cobwebs.
Father-and-son team Dave and Malcolm Lord were in the rescue boat for the season’s first race.
Five boats made the start line – regulars from the 2011 season Barbara and Guy Newson in their Fireball; Chris Hill, Marjory and Martin Lord in their Lasers; plus Roy Donn in his new Mirror, making a welcome return to racing after a few years away.
In the first race Roy showed he had not lost any of his sailing skills and only Barbara and Guy beat him on handicap, with Chris in third position.
For the second race Marjory took over Dave’s place in the club rescue boat, allowing him to race.
This race was one of the closest ever recorded, with all boats getting an excellent start.
Martin was forced to check the water temperature a couple of times as he lost control and ended up swimming. Eventually he decided to head back for an early shower.
The other four fought it out to the end, with Roy registering first place, Dave second and Chris third.
For the final race, Marjory was back sailing. Marjory and Chris were both too keen to get started and were over the line too quick and had to sail back and restart.
The result was the same as for the first race – Barbara and Guy taking first place with Roy second and Chris in third.
After years without holding a dinghy training course, the club is set to run a Royal Yachting Association dinghy sailing course next month. It should attract more people into sailing and increase active club membership.
Anyone interested in joining club activities should contact the PFYC at info@pentlandfirthyachtclub.org.uk
