SOLWAY YACHT CLUB

 

The 3rd round of the Lairwell (Scottish) series for National 12’s took place on 5 and 6 July and was hosted by Solway Yacht Club.
 
The fleet was almost perfectly split into equal portions of self draining, Admiral’s Cup and Vintage (cleverly referred to as ‘self swamping’ by Gary Holdsworth) boats and it was wonderful to see some quite elderly craft take to the water despite the very windy conditions on Saturday, the oldest of which was 50.
 
PRO Duncan Gillespie set the course within the bounds of the estuary, which was a very wise move and one welcomed by the fleet as it protected them from the waves which could be seen further out.  In the first race Mark and Emma Simpson overtook Bernard Clark/Elaine Ross on the 2nd reach and never looked back.  Stewart Miatt/Lee Lower took 3rd place, sailing with the handicap of a kicker which only worked when it felt like it and when it was ‘working’ it wasn’t doing much.  Bronagh Gillespie/Ailsa Ross sailed Ian Purkis’s N1620 brilliantly considering it was their first time in a 12 and the wind was a steady force 5 with bigger gusts.   Unfortunately they got swamped within 100 yards of the finish line but were given a finish in recognition of their exceptional sailing.
 
Race 2 saw the fleet depleted somewhat, with only 7 boats taking part as others sailed in to do repairs or headed to the beach to empty out.  Simpson/Simpson flew away from Clark and Ross, who capsized on the start line with just 10 seconds to go, and were never to be stopped.  Clark and Ross recovered to take 2nd place.  The course involved a particularly hairy run which tested the nerves of all those who competed!
 
Race 3 was sailed in even windier conditions and saw the fleet further depleted with just 4 starters.  The Simpson’s took the gun, followed by Clark/Ross and Tim and Seb Gatti (N2255).  Miatt and Lower retired to undertake repairs when the boat became uncontrollable on the run and broached.
 
The evening was spent in a very happy gathering at Ian and Margaret’s and Ian managed to produce some wonderful food from the BBQ despite some heavy showers. 
 
Sunday morning was rather wet and grey but the wind had lessened off and this made for more pleasant sailing.  Clark and Ross found the conditions just to their liking and claimed line honours, with Simpson/Simpson second and Miatt/Lower third.  The fleet struggled to get out to the start line due to the incoming tide, lack of wind in the river and the effects of a late night!  At times when the rain came down visibility was less than 100 yards but as the fleet got clear of the upper area of the estuary they could plane happily away to the start line. 
 
Great sailing at a fantastic venue – we’ll be back next year!
 
Overall results
 
1st Mark and Emma Simpson, Scaling Dam SC
2nd Bernard Clark/Elaine Ross, Ripon SC and Solway YC
3rd Stewart Miatt/Lee Lower, Yorkshire Ouse SC and Solway YC

1st Vintage Tim and Seb Gatti, Yeadon SC

1st Time 12ers            Bronagh Gillespie/Ailsa Ross, Solway YC