There was little wind. On the water Race Officer, Peter Proctor, was about to make the best of it with a short beat across the loch. A large RIB with blue flashing lights and two even larger MOD Police aboard asked who was in charge. Commander Proctor we said. They were not impressed and told us the loch was closed for a submarine to leave. We sailed a course up and down the Shandon shore. Tacking was required only at one of the marks. It was a much better race than you would imagine.
The start was during a lull. Those in the right place at the right time, pointing the right way with a little momentum, were at an advantage. Zephyrus, Thalia and Hermes looked good. Iris was close in to the shore and moving fast (a relative term) to begin with. She slowed in light air and fell into the shadow of the fleet.
Zephyrus and Thalia had the lead with Catriona chasing hard. Catriona made the best of the spinnaker, which was useful in one direction, and insinuated herself into the lead. Zephyrus was close behind until she dropped her spinnaker into the water. The immediate braking effect, then the spinnaker being heavy with water, did for her. Thalia overtook Hermes by carefully setting her third sail.
1 Catriona, 2 Zephyrus, 3 Thalia, 4 Hermes, 5 Iris, 6 Ceres, 7 Athene
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