Scottish Zone T15 Interclub Event 2 – 20th August 2005

Hosted by Clyde Windsurfing Club, Lochwinnoch A warm but worrying start to the day with fading light winds, fortunately the wind came up and the sun shone all day to provide excellent weather for a full day’s racing. Not often, we issue sunscreen warnings at Scottish events but it was real sunshine.

There were competitors in all 4 fleets, and for the first time we ran a Youth Fleet for competitors age 16 to 20. A total of 21 competitors entered, 18 in the T15 fleets and 3 in the youth.

Teams entered were the East Kilbride Eagles, Monikie Maniacs, and the local Clyde Barracudas. We also had two guests from Halifax Hurricanes in the North Zone, a long way from home but a welcome addition to the fleets.

After briefing run by our Race Officer, Ian Jackson, the fleets took to the water for the first race. The 6.6, 5.5 and the Youth fleets were set a box course with the 4.5m and 3.5m fleets sailing a simpler upwind downwind sausage course.

Race 1. After a difficult start in light wind Greg Millar, CB, was in the lead, but due to an unlucky wind shift Jordan O’Hara, CB, just crossed the finish line before him. Emma Dowson, CB, had bad luck with a broken outhaul but managed to struggle on to secure 6th in the 6.6fleet. A drop in the wind caused problems for the smaller fleets most completed the course.

Lunch was an open air BBQ catered by Clyde Windsurfing club’s members.

Race 2 A much brisker start and more lively action on the water. Chris McCormick, EK, was the clear winner in the youth fleet. Chris Dowson, CB, just piped Mhairi Christison, EK, to take 2nd after Connor Bainbridge, HH.

Race 3. Shifting winds led to a course change, with all fleets switching to a new sausage course. Conner led the 6.6 fleet, closely followed by Greg and Anna Kordeczka, EK.

A strengthening wind led to the remaining races being sailed in quick succession and it was noticeable how much tighter the fleets were on the start line leading to more closely contested positions.

Race 4 Danielle Elliott, CB, continued the 4.5m fleet how it’s done. Jordan in the 5.5m fleet was showing his group a clean pair of heels. Greg took a 3-point penalty for being over the start line. This opened the 6.6m fleet for Mhairi and Anna of the Eagles to battle it out on the scoreboard with Euan Jarvis, CB.

Race 5 showed some spectacularly well-timed starting with Emma and Chris Dowson hitting the start line flying. Betty Buckman, MM, was getting used to the new venue and giving Amy Kenmuir, CB a close contest.

Everyone now had got the hang of starts leading to very close jockeying for prime position and some very competitive racing.

Race 6 had the closest battles of the whole day with photo finishes. Kirsty Meek, EK, the smallest competitor did fantastically well by achieving a first in the 3.5m fleet; finally breaking Katie Beattie, CB, string of straight firsts. Michael Houston, MM, after disappointing races 4 & 5 was back on form. Danielle and Stephanie Stewart, CB, were within inches of each other at the finish, with Danielle just taking it.

A final Race 7 start was squeezed in just within the time limit, which allowed everyone to discard their two worst results. Kai Bainbridge, HH, achieved his best start of the event getting a 3rd overall. Gillian Brown was obviously finding her stride with ever improving places. Amy and Betty were neck and neck with everything hinging on this last result. Amy just made it but Betty will be looking forward to the return match on her home ground.

Prize giving was hosted by Ian Jackson with prizes being awarded by Alan Jackson International Formula racer.

Clyde Barracudas were happy to win the team trophy on their home turf and are looking forward to visiting Monikie in October for the final event of the Scottish series.

Clyde Windsurfing Club would like to thank everyone for all their hard work. Thanks to all the competitors and their coaches and parents who made it an amazing day. We would also like to thank Clyde Barracudas sponsors Bicsport, and also thanks to Struthers for donating mineral water for the competitors. Thanks also to Gul, Lomo, Largs Chandlers, Sailrepair, and C & C Marine Services for donating prizes.

Check out photos at www.clydewindsurfing.co.uk