North East Clubs 2011 Early Series Event 3 – Aberdeen – 5th March 2011

Report by Ian Dundas  Results

The venue for this, the last event in the early 2011 winter series, was moved from Brechin to Aberdeen. With an entry of 8 boats, 4 from the host Aberdeen Club and 2 each from Brechin and Buchanness, it was decided not to use a “bye” boat but allow all boats to sail in each race.

It was good to see Ian Thompson from Buchanness attending his first traveller’s event and Mel Percival and David Stewart coming up from the Brechin Club to take part.

Initially the wind was very fickle and light and swung between NE and N making it difficult for RO John Owens to set a good course so the start of racing was delayed.

The wind eventually settled and racing began into a light NE wind.

Ian Dundas got the shifts right to win the first race closely followed by John Owens whose Widget was showing very good speed. The next two races were won by Jimmy Bisset sailing a Stealth, but there were close finishes throughout the fleet. Ian Thompson being a novice had a starting advantage but improved in each race. John Owens won races 5 and 6 with Steve Taylor winning race 6 and 7 with his wooden built Zig Zag just before lunch. Dave Stewart also with a wooden yacht was showing improved results as the wind steadied. Ian Dundas uncharacteristically was suffering from intermittent radio control problems and was forced to retire from several races.

In the afternoon the wind swung round to the east and a new course was laid. On the new course Ian Thompson won two races and Ian Dundas who had solved the control problems won the other 3 races.

After a total of 12 races John Owens had done enough to win the event by a single point from Steve Taylor with Ian Dundas taking third on count back from Jimmy Bisset.

The prize of a “Golden Bunny” went unanimously to Ian Thompson for his improved performance over the day and good sportsmanship.

The final results were: