Catriona’s helm arrived early (uncharacteristically) so as to fit a new diaphragm to the bilge pump. It was raining and there was wind. When he lifted his head from the bilge, the rain had stopped and wind was gone. Other crews arrived and waited. Those with optimism were encouraged by ripples on the water moving slowly from the north. Those without decided to call it a day.
Race Officer Craig Macdonald had an apprentice so was keen to go through the starting procedure. Hermes put her sails up, Catriona and Dione followed. There was wind to get to the starting area and there was wind to stem the ebb tide so as to sail up the loch to the windward mark, G, on the Shandon shore. The rub was that pressure reduced around the starting area and Hermes was unable to make progress.
Catriona rounded G as wind there was dropping. Dione suffered from the adverse tide. Craig shortened the course to finish at A, off the club.
1 Catriona, 2 Dione, 3 Hermes.
President: