On the water Race Officer Peter Proctor set one of the longer courses, beginning with a beat to E, the northernmost mark on the Clynder shore. Wind was changeable in strength and direction, but never died completely. At its strongest, boats were well heeled, but the side decks stayed dry. There was time for two rounds.
Catriona got the best start at the favoured shore end of the line. Zephyrus had a mix up over timing which compromised her. Athene became stuck between the riser and pick up of a mooring at just the wrong moment and had to take a turn to free herself. Seeking to do something different and get to windward of the fleet, she sailed for the Clynder shore when the rest were on a tack up the loch. It paid and she crossed in front of everyone. Wind approaching E was trying. Catriona, who had been behind and to windward, ducked Athene and somehow got around the mark first. Athene, Hermes and Thalia were all in contention. It was Hermes who made the best of her spinnaker and cemented second place. Athene battled Thalia for third. Places changed and there were critical inside overlaps at marks. In the end, Athene benefitted from superior spinnaker handling.
1 Catriona, 2 Hermes, 3 Athene, 4 Thalia, 5 Zephyrus.
President: