The Gareloch Class midsummer passage race was this year to Gourock for lunch. Whilst not as adventurous as some previous events, a remarkably good race. The forecast had been for very light wind but it was steady all the way to the Royal Gourock Yacht Club and for our sail back in the afternoon.
We were fortunate to have John Hammond’s Clearwater as start boat and Jamie Grant’s Kelana to finish us. Race Officer Reay Mackay set up a starting line just south of Rhu Narrows so as to avoid shallow water. It was low tide. Dione missed all but the one minute time signal and made by far the best start. Teal was there at the right time too, Catriona notably not.
Dione achieved the best compromise between being close to the Rosneath shore where adverse tide was less and further out where wind was better. Teal, in particular, ventured too far into Rosneath bay and lost advantage. Dione and Catriona swapped the lead. At the first rounding mark, the light blue boat was in front and she was able to keep Dione behind on the crucial windward leg. Halcyone and Teal had a similar battle. The separated on the windward leg. Halcyone was leading as the came together at the second mark.
There were no changes of order on the reach to the finish.
1 Catriona, 2 Dione, 3 Halcyone, 4 Teal, 5 Athene.
President: