Evening Cruiser Race

Published 17:44 on 23 Apr 2026

The first evening keelboat race was on Wednesday 22nd April.

Two boats came to the start line, Pegasus II and Seeaway with an extra crew of Steven van Stiphout on board. On the way to the start, the crew of Seeaway were grateful for their lifting keel as they nudged a sandbank, a common hazard of sailing at Cramond.

The wind was a stiff F5 from just north of east, so both boats reefed main and headsail before the start.

With a course of Y Z C H M D, the boats started on a broad reach, Pegasus II just ahead. Paul helming Seeaway had a look at trying to pass to windward, but Alastair was having none of it!

The boats gradually hardened up a little as they passed Y, Z and C. On the leg from C to H Alastair decided the wind had not heard the forecast, which was to reduce a little. So he put in a second reef, and wound the jib roller in a little too. On the beat this proved to be the right decision.

Both boats tacked onto port soon after H and beat towards M. The mark was spotted earlier than expected as it was newly painted in bright orange

On the approach to M aboard Seeaway, there was a brown trouser moment when the port cap shroud detached itself from the deck fitting as the clevis pin had come out!

Fortunately, the crew were able to get the sails down quickly and the rig was saved!

Alastair sailed on into the now colder wind and rounded M to head for home, shaking out the second reef after passing D.

Despite the difficulties aboard the Hunter Medina, all enjoyed the sail.