First Race of the Year

Published 09:04 on 20 Apr 2026

Four keelboats came to the start line on Sunday 19th April for the first race of 2026. Some skippers had planned to have a shakedown sail the day before but then decided it was too windy for the first sail.

The forecast was NW F2 so the course was set with a beat from club race mark D to Forth Ports channel mark 16, followed by a gentle return via race marks H, C, Z and Y.

At the start Alastair Johnson on Pegasus II crossed first, with Seeaway, with Paul Steen at the helm, close behind. Andy Walker in Exisle was in third and Chris Callender in Scherzo was in fourth.

Between the start and D mark the wind went round a bit to the north and the fleet passed close to the west side of Cramond Island. A dark rain shower crossed the bay and the wind increased a little.

At D mark, Paul was leading with Andy close behind. The wind was now dying and the fleet became becalmed. Scherzo drifted past D mark twice! By the time the leaders rounded 16, the wind rose a little and was more westerly, so sheets were eased on the reach to H.

The leaders were now on a broad reach after Z to the finish, where the green hull of Seeaway crossed just seconds in front of Exisle. Third was Pegasus II and Scherzo was fourth.

Everyone enjoyed this sail, the first since September 2025. And no major issues were found with any of the boats, which is always a good start to the season!