Sailors were met with extreme conditions on race day 10 of the Wick Model Yacht Club season, with 35 mph gusting to 45 mph westerly winds and heavy rain showers thrown into the mix.
Six yachts lined up for the first race, taking off in a blaze of spray. Kindling was away the best, surfing down the loch, but unfortunately for Kevin Paterson he couldn’t keep up and the yacht was floundering on the short shore waiting for him and allowing the chasing pack to pass.
Restless Wave was first turned and was flying back down the loch, chased by Valhalla, Pioneer and Tempest. Tempest again ended in the Hole along with Kindling and Barracuda so it was Restless Wave snatching its first win of the season for Graham and Adam Robertson, followed closely by Pioneer.
Results – Race one: 1 Restless Wave (Graham and Adam Robertson), 20 min 00 sec; 2 Pioneer (Peter Sinclair and John Sutherland), 21.49; 3 Valhalla (Sandy Bremner and Adam Bremner), 22.21; 4 Tempest (Innes Scollay and David Sutherland), 26.16; 5 Barracuda (Allan Tait and James Robertson), 26.29; 6 Kindling (Kevin Paterson and Rory Sinclair), 27.58.
The wind was increasing in strength by the time the second race started and this time it was Restless Wave followed by Tempest that went away the quickest, with Valhalla suffering breakages to its mast set-up and having to be lifted out early in the race.
Tempest turned first after a good first leg but then had a poor line, first struggling to get off the short shore and then overcompensating to yet again head to the Hole.
Restless Wave meantime was on a blistering pace homeward, leaving everyone else in its wake to snatch a second win and the fastest time of the season.
Kindling had a much better second race, just holding off Barracuda for second place.
Results – Race two: 1 Restless Wave (Graham and Adam Robertson), 17 min 10 sec; 2 Kindling (Kevin Paterson and Rory Sinclair), 21.28; 3 Barracuda (Allan Tait and James Robertson), 22.01; 4 Tempest (Innes Scollay and David Sutherland), 26.35.
Racing will continue this Saturday with a start time of 1pm. Visitors and new sailors are welcome at Sarclet Loch.
