After successive two day regattas at Kielder and Lochaber, the Osprey squad on the 70th Anniversary Tour set their satnavs for their final destination, Royal Tay Yacht Club.
Everyone was very impressed with the new Royal Tay clubhouse, where in the evening we were joined by RTYC Osprey sailors of old days, good to meet them.
Alan Henderson, with usual crew Alastair Barrie back in harness after a day off on the Friday, took the first race on a two lap windward leeward, closely followed by Light & Bitter, sailed by Paul Heather/ Jonathan Osgood, who held off Rob Shaw/ Ian Little in third. Light & Bitter was built many years ago by Rob Shaw, but it added a point to Rob/ Ian's series score. Et tu, Brute!
By the second race, tides were becoming stronger. Alec/ Arthur took this race, heading further out into the flooding tide to gain speed on the run. Alan/ Alastair took second, creating a three point gap ahead of Rob/ Ian. There was plenty of place changing in the close racing behind, with various boats making big jumps with one inspired choice of tack.
Fog prevented a triangular course out to the mid Tay for the last race, so it was another windward leeward instead, with broad reaches today to a closer leeward mark. Over two short laps, the Anniversary Tour and Scottish & Northern Championship titles would be decided, in the very last one of twelve races in 3 different venues. This all proved how competitive the Tour was. With the help of a little offshore hitch near the windward mark, Alan/ Alastair drew away from Rob/ Ian who at last overegged their determined beach crawling. Alan/ Alastair took the win, with Rob/ Ian in second and locals Stewart/ Sandy taking third. This gave the Tour and Championship titles to Alan and Alastair (Prestwick SC), with Rob and Ian (Kielder) second, and Alec and Arthur (Coniston) third.
All competitors on the Tour will receive a commemorative whisky glass at the Nationals in September.
Thank you to Kielder, Lochaber and Royal Tay, for all the tireless work of your volunteers, who made possible our tour of the North. Apart from the sailing, it's been spectacular to see and explore new areas of the UK. It has been a fantastic part of the celebrations of 70 years of the Osprey. The class look forward to seeing you all throughout the year at Osprey events, and especially the Nationals!
Other highlights of the 70th Anniversary Year will be;
National Championships, Hayling Island, September 2-5
Round the Isle of Wight, Lymington, 23/24 September
Further information on Osprey class at www.ospreysailing.org
No comments:
Post a Comment