Fastnet Race Brechin – 4th August 2007

Report by Ian Dundas

Entries for the Scottish District Fastnet Race were down on previous years with only 7 starters. All were International One Meter boats from the east coast clubs of Brechin, Aberdeen and Buchanness. John Milne had intended to race his recently acquired R6M but because he only had a full size rig, it could not stand up to the strong, southerly breeze and was unable to take part. The IOM`s spent all of the day on their No 2 rig.

The southerly wind did allow RO Mel Percival to lay a long beat up the entire pond. Although the wind was strong in the region of the start line, skippers had to contend with big shifts and lulls around the course, particularly at the top mark due to the influence of the trees to windward of the lake. Big gains or loses could be made by getting the routing right. Interestingly, the best route changed constantly as the afternoon went on.

The Fastnet is an endurance race with a series of 30 minute races run over the day. Each skipper picks up a counter after completing a lap. After the 30 min time limit a hooter sounds and the race is stopped. Skippers cash in their counters and the one with the most completed laps over the series of races wins the trophy. Handicaps normally apply to adjust for different classes of yacht but this year this did not apply.

Two boats were sailed on a team basis which is allowed in the rules. Perhaps this should be encouraged in future years, as some skippers were having difficulty walking up and down for the 60 or so laps in the course of the day. Teaming of experienced skippers with less experienced would also allow the transfer of boat tuning and tactical skills over the day.

In the end after 3 ½ hours racing it was Ian Dundas who was the winner holding onto a one lap advantage from Race 2.

Ali Law was awarded the Gary Lineker award for good sportsmanship.

In view of the low turnouts for the Fastnet Race in recent years, it should debated at the next District AGM if the same format and date should be retained for 2008.

Final results were: