Photo finish needed to decide winner
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A STRONG wind greeted the sailors of Wick Model Yacht Club when they took to the waters of Sarclet Loch on May 18.
On the outward journey, the blustery conditions forced the boats on to the short shore and created a lot of work for the competitors, adjusting and releasing. But the return was much easier, only requiring several tacks.
In the first race, Aurora, sailed by Archie Miller, came first on 31m 08s followed seven seconds later by the Firewood and in third was Pioneer, sailed by Tony Wilson, in 34m 07s.
The second race started with just two boats as the Pioneer retired.
The Aurora and Firewood tussled for the lead as they left the start line. The Aurora headed to the long side and Firewood the short. On the return, Firewood was no more than a boat length ahead. Both vessels sailed almost identical paths to the finish with the same margin between them.
In first place was Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson and Louise Sinclair, in 29m 36s, with Aurora in second on 30m 16s.
On the previous Saturday, three boats raced in light winds with large sails fitted.
In the first race the Apollo and Firewood collided within the first 20ft, pirouetting and separating cleanly to continue on their way. That is until they almost reached the small pier — this time the collision wasn’t so helpful and they spun and the wind pushed them back to the start line to be recovered by the sailors.
By this time, the Argo was well on its way. Once separated, Apollo and Firewood were released to continue, sailing neck-and-neck and occasionally crossing paths. Once again they made contact.
This time one boat was pushed to the long shore while the opposing vessel pushed towards the short side, having an averaging effect, and they sailed relatively straight to the goal at the far end.
Spinnakers quickly removed, the yachts turned around for the tacking return to the finish line.
It was an uneventful race for the Argo,sailed by Archie and Fiona Miller, but it was a deserving win in 24m 54s. Twelve minutes later, in second place, came Firewood and in third was Apollo on 37m 40s.
In the second race no such collisions occurred. On the return, the Argo and Apollo were sailing quickly, tacking to and fro. The Firewood, close to the eye of the wind, looked to be falling behind but, as the yachts approached the shed, the Argo and Apollo required a third losing tack, allowing the Firewood to close the gap.
The club has never had three boats cross the goal line in such close proximity — second and third positions were only identified by a photo finish.
In first place was Firewood in 23m 32s; in second was Argo, in 23m 33s, and, in third, was Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam, 23m 34s.
