IOM NE-SW Clubs Regatta 2008 11th and 12th October at Woodspring MSC
Report by Ian Dundas Score Sheet
The annual IOM sailing challenge between the North East of Scotland and the South West of England Model Yachting Clubs was held at Woodspring Club in Portishead on 11/12th October.
The format of the event is fleet racing in IOM yachts but the result is determined by the average score of each team. No prizes are given for top finishers but the team with the lowest average score over the two days wins the coveted Quaich Trophy first sailed for in 2005. The South West team was made up of 6 skippers from the local Woodspring Club while the visiting team was made up of 5 skippers from the Aberdeen and Buchanness Clubs plus the co-option of John “Mac” White a local skipper to help balance the numbers.
Saturday
Racing started under the control of RO Alan Chidgey. The wind was light but steady from the South West allowing a large triangular course to be set. Racing was very close and tactical and both teams traded positions throughout the fleet. By lunchtime the North East had a very slight advantage over the home team. The good spirit and gentlemanly conduct that had been seen in previous years was once again in evidence and all incidents were settled politely on the water.
After lunch a westerly shift in the wind meant the course was changed to sail across the lake. The wind died to drifting conditions and the Scots Team who were used to sailing in strong winds all struggled to adapt to the light and fickle conditions. By the end of the day 14 races had been sailed with the South West Team pulling out a lead with an average score of 5.8 verses 7.2 for the visitors. At the front of the fleet Ian Dundas (NE) with his new Widget held off Richard Wills (SW), Nick Martin (SW) and Steve Taylor (NE).
Evening Entertainment
In the evening the local club hosted an excellent dinner attended by skippers, race team, families and friends which helped to build on existing friendships and establish new ones.
Sunday
Sunday started off in misty windless conditions but by the time the course was set and the briefing held the wind filled in from the opposite direction from the previous day. This caused an initial problem with leaves and twigs drifting down the course in the early races but as the day progressed this hazard diminished. From the start of the day Trevor Bamforth found his form and showed the way round the course winning 10 of the 13 races. Very close tussles were enjoyed throughout the fleet as teams pushed to improve their average score. By the end of the day the South West Team maintained their lead from the previous day and retained the Quaich Trophy they had won in Scotland last year.
Results
Average Scores : South West Team 6.1. North East Team 7.4
“Man of the Match” – Richard Wills (SW) sailing his own Sloth design.
“Most Improved Skipper” – Steve Taylor (NE) sailing his wooden Zig Zag
“Most Sporting Skipper” – Alan Allsop (NE) sailing an Oscar design.
John Owens on behalf of the visitors thanked Alan and Tony for their excellent race organisation, Beryl for the grub and all in the South West team for their hospitality. Once more this event has lived up to its reputation of good racing, good fun and good hospitality. Honours are now even with 2 wins each so skippers are already looking forward to next years match in the North East of Scotland.