Event 2
Clyde Windsurfing Club, Loch Winnoch
Saturday 20 August 2005
 
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Event 2 in the Scottish team15 inter-club series saw a warm but worrying start to the day and with fading light winds the host club, the Clyde Barracudas, were a little concerned for the day’s events. Fortunately all worries were abated - the wind came up and the sun shone all day to provide excellent weather for a full day of inter-club action. It’s not often that sunscreen warnings are issued at Scottish events - but it was real sunshine!

Three active Scottish teams entered the event - the local Barracudas were joined by the East Kilbride Eagles and the Monikie Maniacs. A long way from home but a welcome addition to the fleets, a guest team from the North Zone – the Halifax Hurricanes – also pitched up and joined in with the challenge.

Thanks to increasing numbers and club representation, all four T15 fleets had entries – 3.5m, 4.5m 5.5m and 6.6m. For the first time a Youth fleet was also available catering for competitors age 16 to 20. In total 21 competitors entered, 18 in the T15 fleets and 3 in the Youth fleets, which is a record for Scotland so thanks to all the clubs who came to do battle!
 
After the event briefing, which was run by the Clyde Windsurfing Club Race Officer, Iain Jackson, the fleets took to the water for the first race. The 5.5m, 6.6m and the Youth fleets were set a box course whilst the 3.5m and 4.5m fleets were set a simpler upwind-downwind-sausage course to sail.

After a difficult start in light wind Greg Millar (Clyde Barracudas) took the lead, but due to an unlucky wind-shift Jordan O’Hara (Barracudas) crossed the finish line just before him. Team-mate, Emma Dowson, had bad luck with a broken outhaul but managed to struggle on to secure 6th place in the 6.6m fleet. A drop in the wind caused problems for the smaller fleets, although credit to their sailing, most managed to complete the course.

With one race down a break was taken for lunch; an open air BBQ catered for thanks to the efforts of the Clyde Windsurfing Club members. Delicious!

A much brisker start kicked off race 2 and with more lively action on the water Chris McCormick (East Kilbride Eagles) was the clear winner in the Youth fleet. Chris Dowson (Barracudas) just pipped Mhairi Christison (Eagles) to take 2nd place, whilst guest sailor Connor Bainbridge from the Halifax Hurricanes took top slot.

In race 3 shifting winds led to a course change which saw all fleets switching to a new sausage course. Conner Bainbridge led the 6.6m fleet, closely followed by Greg and Anna Kordeczka from the Eagles. As the day progressed a strengthening wind led to the remaining races being sailed in quick succession. It was certainly noticeable how much tighter the fleets were on the start line, leading to more closely contested positions!

In race 4 Danielle Elliott (Barracudas) continued to show the 4.5m fleet how it’s done whilst Jordan O’Hara was intent on showing the 5.5m fleet a clean pair of heels. Greg Millar (Barracudas) took a 3-point penalty for being over the start line which opened up the 6.6m fleet allowing a pair of Eagles - Mhairir and Anna - to battle it out on the scoreboard with Euan Jarvis (Clyde Barracudas).

Skills were increasing as confidence built throughout the day. Race 5 saw some spectacularly well-timed starts with Emma and Chris Dowson hitting the line flying – fantastic, just how it should be! The away teams were tuning into the venue and Betty Buckman (Monikie Maniacs) in particular was giving local girl, Amy Kenmuir, a close contest. By now all sailors had got the hang of the starts leading to some very close jockeying for prime position and some very exciting racing.

The closest battles of the whole day came in race 6 with photo finishes required. Kirsty Meek (Eagles), the smallest competitor in the event, did fantastically well by achieving a first in the 3.5m fleet, finally breaking a string of firsts set by Katie Beattie (Clyde Barracudas). Michael Houston (Maniacs), after a couple of disappointing races in 4 & 5, was back on form whilst Danielle and Stephanie Stewart (Barracudas) were within inches of each other at the finish, with Danielle just taking the line.

A final Race 7 start was squeezed in just within the time limit, which allowed everyone to discard their two worst results. Kai Bainbridge (Halifax Hurricanes) achieved his best start of the event resulting in a 3rd overall. Gillian Brown was obviously finding her stride with ever-improving places. Amy and Betty were neck and neck with everything hinging on this last result; Amy just made it for the Barracudas but Betty will be looking forward to the return match on her home ground at Monikie.

Team15 trophies were awarded at the prize-giving by Alan Jackson (International Formula racer) and was hosted by Race Officer, Iain Jackson. On home waters the Clyde Barracudas were more than happy to win the team trophy and are looking forward to visiting Monikie on 1st October for the final event in the Scottish T15 series.

Clyde Windsurfing Club would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and especially thank all the competitors, their coaches and parents who made it an amazing day. Thanks also to the T15 sponsors, Bic Sport (Clyde Barracudas) and Tushingham Sails (East Kilbride Eagles), not forgetting Struthers, who very kindly donated mineral water for the competitors. Final thanks to Gul, Lomo, Largs Chandlers, Sailrepair, and C & C Marine Services for donating prizes.

Check out additional photos at http://www.clydewindsurfing.co.uk/

See you on 1st October for the final battle...

team winners
Clyde Barracudas (Bic)

All photos courtesy of Lesley Harradine

For further details contact
Jane Scott
jane@ryascotland.org.uk

We are the Champions!
West Kirby Warriors
T15 Champions 2008

Congratulations!

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