The day dawned. Shafts of light peeked
through the curtains. The dulcet tones of the Commodore drifted
mistily through the snug and safe place I was in---Get Up –you know
we are the start boat!
Kip beckoned; the tension of the start
line had both of us on edge. What if we had to recall a mischievous
participant sneaking over the line too early, what if we had to
recall the entire fleet—was there a hint of panic in the air? If
there was then that was the only thing in the air, as there was
hardly any wind for a nail biting, boat-banging drift for the line.
The forecast North 5 – 7, did not materialise but fortunately did
fill in a bit, later in the race.
Camus Bosta had perfect start although
they themselves couldn’t believe it and sought verbal reassurance
that they had not inadvertently crossed the line before the
gun/hooter. Close on their tail was Aquaholic followed by Exody with
Pondskater, back from the Med, completing the fleet.
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| A thrilling start from Kip |
Course 1 had been chosen to take the
fleet around Cumbrae and back up into Rothesay Bay. Aquaholic, in his
normal manner, pressed into the lead which he held till the end. So
impressive was Tom’s lead that binoculars were used from the
committee boat to ensure there was no hint of water dribbling from
his exhaust.
A sight seen just north of the Largs
Channel was hard to believe. A committee member renowned for his
cutting racing prowess appeared to be cruising in what looked like a
conservatory! Smiling from ear to ear, Marie by his side, he was
caught cruising Emma Louise with his mainsail stowed and a pristine cockpit canopy fully
erected. Should there be a fine – I ask?
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| Emma Louise with conservatory erected - and Pondskater |
The wind filled in and then disappeared,
the sun shone for a bit (I’ll not mention the r—n) but all crews
appeared to enjoy the race, culminating with aperitifs on the
Commodore’s boat prior to dinner. We were joined by Kelpie D, then
Bertie the bus shuttled the party to Mount Stuart Visitor Centre for
a sumptuous meal. With the help of Tom Hutchison the results were
calculated.
In Class 2, Aquaholic took 1st place with
Exody second and in Class 3, Camus Bosna won followed by Pondskater.
Out of the Blue was noticeable by its
absence in the results but felt that, this year, by cruising , they
had given the rest of the fleet a fighting chance of winning.
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| Dinner at Mount Stuart |
Sunday welcomed the fleet of five with
a lovely Force 3 – 4 for the start of the Pursuit Race. Everybody
watched the clock, though confusion reigned as they positioned
themselves for the start across a new starting line.
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| Aquaholic, Pondskater and Camus Bosta, the first three finishers prepare to start.(you can click on these photos by Seamus for a bigger view) |
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| Exody prepares to start off Rothesay. No prizes but certainly the best looking boat |
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| Out Of The Blue gets going |
No cheating was
reported. Sun and wind, with a broad, close and sometimes very close
reach, saw the fleet make record times back to Kip. Camus Bosna crossed the finish line first with pursuing Aquaholic second and Pondskater third.
Well done everybody. photos by Stewart Toy and Seamus Lalor
