Report from Arke
Race Officer Julian Forrester (Luna) – ably assisted by his daughter Lucy and Chris Ings – was blessed with an absolutely perfect evening to direct. Sunshine, warm, good breeze (and much stronger than forecast) and funnelling down the Gareloch from the north (and much more northerly than forecast). It was difficult for the RO to tell just how northerly it from the sheltered shore. After a bit of discussion with some of those on the water, course L1 was selected. First up to G off Shandon/Queen’s Point, a reach across to C off Clynder, then a fun run/broad reach down to A and a short beat back to the start/finish line at Z. Repeat. (Perfect for the conditions, and without being tempted in to an H course since the forecast had the wind lightening – and even with our long days we do need to keep at least one eye on the time!)
The Z start line heading N is always quite an oblique, biased line but Arke nailed the start on starboard – offering no hope to any sneaky attempted port starters (always a temptation with this line!). But there were none and she was clear ahead. Of the rest, Hermes – helmed by guest Reay Mackay (who knows his way around a Gareloch and the Gareloch!), and crewed by Wendy Jones and Gareloch newbie Clare Somerville (who is thoroughly enjoying it so far) – made much the best start and followed Arke up to G.
In the end the good starts made by Arke and then Hermes, followed by a lack of further mistakes and a good steady wind, left them clear and in 1 and 2 throughout the race. They simply concentrated and enjoyed the sun and sailing…
In the middle, Thalia was going well with Peter Proctor on the helm. She held off attacks by Ceres throughout the race (Ceres had spinnaker halyard shackle issues with didn’t help her cause) until the final short beat from A to the finish at Z, when Ceres managed to cross Thalia and executed a perfect tack on top of her on the lay line to the finish. And that sealed her third place. The others finished in a commendably tight fleet and it was good to see Ed Morris (new skipper/owner of Halcyone) on the helm and going well.
Sadly, Circe – who had cast off for the race – had to abandon and return to the moorings when her skipper (John Campbell, our new Convenor, single-handing) noticed water up to the floor-boards from leaks. Her usual battery-operated pump wasn’t working and she is thirsty old girl.
1 Arke, 2 Hermes, 3 Ceres, 4 Thalia, 5 Halcyone, 6 Thia, DNS Circe
President: