IOM Scottish Travellers Event 1 – Aberdeen -10th May 2008

Report by Ian Dundas  Score Sheet

John Owens RO welcomed 16 skippers to the first event of the 2008 Scottish IOM Travellers Series at Inchgarth Reservoir in Aberdeen. It was encouraging to see such a large turnout at the start of the season and that all 6 Scottish clubs were represented. The event was run in accordance with the recently revised 2008 Sailing Instructions which meant that 5 skippers would sail with a 20 sec starting advantage. It was also decided to use the “By Boat” system to provide Race Observers.

Opportunity was taken at registration to check weigh a sample of the boats and keels under the direction of District Measurer Ralph Knowles. A few minor discrepancies were found which were easily corrected.

Unfortunately the start of racing had to be postponed due to a lack of wind but a light south easterly eventually came in which backed easterly and increased as the day progressed allowing 14 races to be sailed. Steve Taylor set a relatively long course to get the best out of the wide reservoir.

In the very light winds of the first races it was the Kites of David Loomes and Neil Jardine that were showing at the front of the fleet along with the Topiko of Ali Law. Dane Ashby however showed that even with a boat (Lintel) renowned for heavy weather performance it was possible to win by picking the right side of the lake. Richard Costigan who was on his first visit to Inchgarth then won a couple of races with his Gadget which meant he was the first to lose his Starting Advantage. Ian Dundas managed a win in Race 6 just before lunch.

After lunch with the stronger wind Colin Deakin had a purple patch with 2, 1, 1 promoting him to Scratch and Boab Hughes from Greenock was also improving as he got the hang of the Inchgarth conditions. Shakey struggled with an intermittent electrical fault causing him to retire from racing. Racing was very close with nice windshifts that made it tricky for the leading boats to apply cover up the beats. Scratch boats had to work hard to catch those with starting advantages. Interestingly there were 8 different race winners out of 14 races.

In the end Ali Law came out the worthy winner with a very consistent run of results although he only had one win. Ian Dundas came second with his new Widget ahead of David Loomes who also had a good day. Richard Costigan from Levenhall was awarded the “most improved” prize.

Thanks were given to the race team of John Owens, Sandy Forbes and Steve Taylor. The event ran very smoothly and the use of the “By Boat” system for Race Observers was successful, in fact, it was noted that all incidents / protests were dealt with on the water.

The next IOM Travellers event is at Paisley on 21st June where it is hoped that the recent improved participation will continue.

Top placings were: