written by Hamish Loudon on September 16 of 2021 and read by 508
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Despite covid swamping all attempts to hold the Nationals, finally the one was held at Lochaber Yacht Club, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William Scotland past weekend on September 11 and 12. Unfortunately the entry was decimated by the restrictions on travel, and at least three certain entries were stopped.
However on Saturday the wise Race Officer set a one and a half mile windward leeward course with a 12 to 15 knot breeze for the first two morning races
In the afternoon the fleet enjoyed three races in the sunshine although the wind shifted in the 18 to 20 knot gusts. This put the accent on good crew work.
The Solaris' (GBR 161) crew mastered the conditions best and won all five races but retired from race 4 due to an error on the start line.
The sailors and race committee enjoyed a superb BBQ and local ale in the evening as the sun set on the Loch.
Sunday saw very light winds which seemed to suit Gerda (GBR 144) and So-Long, (IRL 3) leaving Solaris trailing the fleet on the windward leeward course However, the breeze returned in time for the final race to help Solaris win again to clinch the series with a tie break required to split Gerda and So-Long for the second and third places.
This result was particularly pleasing for GBR 161 helm the class Life Member Hamish Loudon as it is his final year as Commodore at the yacht club (LYC).
It was also a great regatta for IRL 3 with Paul Tully the BSA Chairman who sailed in a boat loaned by the local club as his beautifully prepared Soling was damaged in a drop from the hoist at his home club.
It was a great warmup for GBR 144 with Andy Riches preparing full motion his International incursion for 2022 in central Europe if covid permits.
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