01/06/2025
St Mary's Loch Open St Marys Loch Sailing Club

HD Sails Scottish Series

by David Parkin

The previous Sunday was the Streaker traveller at St Mary's Loch. This club is probably the highest in the UK and is in a narrow valley with a number of glens running into the valley meaning gusts can be unpredictable in strength and direction. The forecast was for around 18mph gusting up to 30. This put off 2 pre entries. In fact it was probably more like 15 gusting low 20s though increased for race 3.

The event was shared with the ILCAs. Worryingly a number of adults from the home club had decided to use the 4.7.rig which suggested that it really was windy.

All three races were a figure of 8 course with long legs. James Sinclair won all three races. Katie Masterton and David Parkin had very close racing in races 1 and 2. Katie coming second by a boat length in both. In race 3 the wind had certainly increased. David was much closer to James and clear of Katie.

This meant James (2pts) won overall from Katie (4pts) with David (5 pts) in third.

It is a testament to the Streaker that there were no capsizes. Dodging upturned ILCAs was a frequent event.

The next event on the HD sails circuit is at Aberdeen& Stonehaven YC on August 16 & 17 though before then the three usual suspects are off to the Nationals at Rutland.