North East Clubs 2005 Late Series Event 3 – Buchanness – 17th December 2005

Five skippers gathered at Peterhead for the 3rd and final round of the 2005 N/E Travellers Late Series. The skippers decided that, because of the small turnout and because it was a “fun event”, the event would be sailed without a RO. Everyone promised to be on their best behaviour and this proved to be the case – there being no protests. However, in the first 4 races Ali Law did five penalty turns mostly for hitting marks.

At 10 30am the first race was put on the water sailing round the usual triangle and sausage course. The wind was from the NW but was shifting at times to a more northerly direction. The general wind strength was 15mph, but in one bad gust which lasted for ten minutes, the wind strength went up to about 30mph and was accompanied by snow. Other than that it was a good day to sail.

The first race of the day was won by Ali. But it just got worse for him as the day went on, failing to finish in one race due to a faulty steering servo. Colin Brown who had won the first two NE Club Late Series events (and therefore had the series sown up) had a good second place in the first race but his day would only go from good to terrible. The wind seemed to test man and boat. Colin Tait back after being very successful in the big boat sailing suffered defeat after defeat and was glad to see the last race realising it was going to be a long way back. Brian Robertson was again making progress and finished the day in third place beating both Colins. Ian Dundas sailed a steady regatta never really getting into serious difficulties and came out the winner from Ali.

At the end of the day we proved yet again that if you listen to the forecast you would never sail. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a great day to sail. I think that one metres are at their best in number 2 rig and today was no exception.

Report by Ali Law

Final positions were:

Full results (pdf file)