Victory for Kyle’s Topper before thundercloud leads to abandonment

Sailors encountered sunny weather with light winds from the south-east at Pentland Firth Yacht Club's latest day of racing on August 14.

Dunnet Head was clear, with Ward Hill and Cuilags on Hoy frequently retreating into the mist. A gentle swell made the conditions ideal for skilful racing, with rewards for those who could read the frequent slight changes in the wind.

Martin Lord was officer of the day, in charge of laying the course, running the races and looking after the safety of the participants.

The first race had a tight start with Kyle Oag first over the line in his Topper, while the boat of Donald McKenzie had to take evasive action to avoid Ian Carlisle’s Bosun, resulting in a penalty for Ian and his two crew.

Donald was first around the windward mark but was overtaken later in the lap.

There was a close interaction with the Bosun and Kyle’s Topper at the windward mark on the second part of the first lap, with the Bosun sneaking through.

In the final lap the wind was beginning to increase and Kyle’s Topper was the first over the finish line. When the times were processed to determine the winner, it turned out Kyle was the victor.

Katie Carlisle raced through a rigging mishap and still managed to improve her second lap by two minutes on the first.

The second race got under way with some excitement as Ian Grant’s Topper and Katie’s Pico had to take evasive action on the start line, having arrived fractionally too early.

Kyle Oag was first over the line but was overtaken by the Bosun by the windward mark, followed by Katie, Ian, Kyle and Donald.

With the race in the balance, it had to be called off on safety grounds due to a large thundercloud appearing just onshore. With safety paramount, the "abandon race" flag was lofted and all boats returned safely to shore.

Anyone interested in joining the club or giving sailing a go can contact pentlandfirthyc@gmail.com

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