Crinan Classic (04/07 - 06/07/08)

Last weekend saw 3 Craignish Flying 15s take part in the Crinan Classic Boat Festival -  Myself, Ali and Ranny, who had his boat back in the water for the first time in a few years.  We had a range of conditions over the 3 days, from next to nothing on the Friday to ridiculously windy on Saturday.    Regardless, it was clear that the Flying 15s were considerably faster than anything else in class 2,  however, we had a handicap to match so we had to resort to racing each other.  Ranny (sailing with Ali Alport)  found his own private breeze and crossed the line first with Ali (and Andy Chadwick) a close second, and me and Alex third.  Unfortunately this translated to 5th, 6th and 8th on handicap.

Saturday was pretty eventful  due to the wind, which was a good force 6 with plenty of stronger gusts.  It didn't stop us putting the spinnakers up however and the first leg down to Dounie was pretty exciting to say the least - I wish I had brought a GPS, though there was no way I would have been able to look at it.  I reckon we were close to 40 knots at one point though.    The beat back up was a bit of a slog, but Alex and myself managed to get home first - helped by Ali getting the mainsheet wrapped around his neck at the penultimate mark.  Ali claims this was accidental but I suspect Andy Chadwick might just have finally snapped...   Ranny and Ali A came in third having shipped a considerable amount of water at one stage on the first leg.    The conditions obviously suited us better, and we ended up 1st, 2nd and 4th when the handicaps were worked out.

Sunday was the Ladies race so Sally was helming Ali's Boat, and Ranny was crewing for an Irish lady that he had met in a bar the night before.  Again it was pretty wind but not as bad as Saturday.  Again, both boats crossed the line first and second - which if I remember right, translated into 5th and 7th.

It was a great weekend, and thanks to Ali and Sally for towing us about, making tea and supplying our team mothership.  Also to Alex for some excellent crewing and not getting scared on Saturday...

Wednesday Night Series (09/07/08)

Attached are the latest results - another windy evening, this time from the east so it was very gusty to say the least.  Predictably Guy won and Clive's life flashed before his eyes on at least one occasion that I know about ... [July Wednesday Night Series results here]

Nick 12/07/08