North East Clubs 2007 Late Series Event 1 – Brechin – 20th October 2007

12 boats entered the first of this year’s North East Clubs Winter Series held at Brechin. This was a good turnout compared to recent events and included 3 visitors from Buchaness, 3 from Aberdeen and 6 local skippers from Brechin.
The wind was its usual fluky self, becoming quite gusty late afternoon after a very gentle start. Sunny warm conditions made it feel more like summer than the start of a winter series.

Race Officer Mel Percival assisted by scorer Ian Hotson managed to run 19 races very comfortably including the usual quality lunch and coffee break.

The competition was fair but keen, and with twelve boats on the water competitors were lucky if they had the opportunity to round marks with clear water.

However experience, coupled with dedication and ability once again shone through, giving Ali Law a well deserved 1st place after a rather slow start while Ian Dundas and Neil Jardine were only separated by 5 points taking 2nd and 3rd places. Top places were well spread with a total of eight different race winners and three of the advantaged boats were promoted to scratch.

Opportunity will be taken over this year’s winter series in the North East to trial starting advantage systems. The new 20 second advantage system discussed at the recent Scottish District AGM was used and appeared to work well, the advantage being lost if you obtain either a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place three times.

A”bye” boat was also used for each race in order to supply race observers. This gave skippers a chance to get a wider view of the rules. Observer styles differed from quiet efficiency to the Rambo Gatling gun approach, although, as confidence builds up better race management standards will be developed.

Next event will be held on the 17th November at Aberdeen. It is hoped that the good spirit shown in the first event will encourage participation throughout the series.

Final positions were:

Full results (pdf file)