North East Clubs 2005 Late Series Summary report

The late 2005 North East Clubs three race winter series sailed in IOM`s at Brechin, Aberdeen and Buchanness Clubs was won by Colin Brown from Buchanness sailing an Italiko.

Attendance was slightly down on the early 2005 series with 16 skippers participating and an average fleet of 8 boats. Each event was threatened by a poor weather forecast which did not materialise on the day. Understandably the poor forecasts put off some skippers from traveling but the ones who braved the elements were rewarded with excellent sailing conditions which brought out the different characteristics of each of the 3 North East venues.

Brechin
Brechin, with its short courses and subtle wind shifts caused by the topography, called for tactical sailing and fine boat tune. 10 skippers participated in light wind conditions. Care was required at the windward mark as all the fleet seemed to arrive together. Skippers benefited from the excellent on site cafeteria to warm up between the race sessions.

Aberdeen
Aberdeen with its longer courses allowed skippers to take options on which way to go up the beat often with significant consequence ( positive or negative). Despite the long course, races were often won or lost on the last tack to the finish. No on site cafeteria and a rim of ice around the reservoir edge were a distinct disadvantage.

Buchaness
Buchanness is renowned for its strong wind and, being closer to the Arctic than Aberdeen or Brechin, it is also generally colder. Northerly winds up to 25 mph with snow storms saw Buchanness at its best with skippers setting up their No2 rigs for boat speed in the lulls and control in the gusts. 5 skippers toughed it out except for a brief period when running for shelter (boats and skippers ) was called for.

Overall
Over the 3 events in the series it was good to see the success of the RYGG handicap with beginners mixing it with the more experienced scratch sailors. It was also interesting to see that the reliability of boat and electrics and avoiding contact with marks or other boats had more impact on the outcome than pure boat speed.

Overall Results of the Late 2005 Series:

1. C Brown Buchanness – Italiko
2. I Dundas Aberdeen – Stealth
3. A Law Buchanness – Topiko

click here for full results pdf file

All MYA skippers ( local and visitors ) are invited to attend the early 2006 series which is provisionally planned to be held at Buchanness on 11th February, Aberdeen on 18th March and Brechin on 9th April 2006.