Summer 1, Cruiser MD2 and Cadets 5 Sunday 29 June
Published 17:27 on 30 Jun 2025
Only a few hours earlier, the wind was gusting 40mph but by 4pm the wind had dropped off substantially and was at most a F1 from the WSW. An initial course was set at EYA for the dinghies with 3 boats taking part. After about 40 minutes the racers crossed the finishing line with Ewan Christison over the line first followed by Istvan and Andy Carr and family. Five other dinghies were content to free sail.
Meanwhile the Cruiser MD2 race was also under way. Two griffons came to the start line. Optimistically a course of DMHCZY was set, for an expected F3 Westerly.
The start was delayed while Andy called for a safety boat to help people walking ashore from the island as the tide came in.
There was wind at the start from the north, but not very much, F1 at most. But sails were filled as the boats started. Johnson crossed the line on port just behind Walker who tacked on the line. The boats were sailing, not fast but they were sailing. As they were on the now beat to D, the skippers were close enough to agree a course change and M was removed from the course.
Dinghy race 2 was agreed to be on a much smaller course from a placed buoy north of A mark to YA. At this point some wind picked up just in this area which made for a more competitive race of 3 laps. Once again, Ewan crossed the line first followed by Istvan, then Leonie, who had been fighting it out on the last lap going towards Y with Istvan sailing close to the wind to get ahead of Leonie who took a wider tack. Andy Carr and family abandoned on the final lap as the wind once again started to drop off. Some of the cadets although not racing officially, did sail around the course with the race getting some good practice.
Back on the cruiser race, the Mk 1 griffon took a more easterly course, close to Cramond Island. Johnson sat almost becalmed looking at a bit of wind further to the west. Although he could see the wind it did not get anywhere near Pegasus II. He remained becalmed as Exile rounded D. Andy took the time of rounding as he was doubtful of getting round even the shortened course.
Alastair slowly sailed towards D, trying all points of sailing whilst pointing at the mark. The wind came and went - went mostly! Over the next hour he got closer to D. At one stage he looked astern and saw the dinghy fleet sailing with full sails!
Walker motored past on the way home and both men agreed the finish would be at D. Eventually with a little breeze coming in Alastair finished at D after nearly 2 hours!
Half Pint, a Jaguar 22, new to the club this year was out today, with our Sailing Secretary, Chris Callander aboard. She did not start the race today but with a bit of encouragement owner Douglas may start the next race.
Well done to all who took part, despite the wind it was a lovely evening sail in the warm weather. Thanks to the safety boat crews: Howie and Keith on Tiger Shark, Ben on Berserker, James and Eilidh on Kelpie.
