Flying 15s Scottish Travellers at Holy Loch SC

by John Orr on 20 Jun 2012 Portavadie Marina is a brand spanking new marina and holiday destination perched on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne in Western Scotland. Over the 16th - 17th June the Marina, with organisation by Holy Loch Sailing Club, hosted Flying Fifteens contesting the first leg of the 2012 Scottish Travellers.

Eleven boats including 3 from the north east of England enjoyed 3 races in 15knots of northerly breeze on Sunday 17th after sitting out the Saturday due a huge excess of breeze. Race One saw the five Open boats in a right old tussle with two Silvers and four Classics all intent on occupying the one imaginary preferred spot on the start line.

This race saw an early lead by Orr and Attwood in 3656 Okey Dokey demolished by Graham Campbell and Graeme Galbraith in their newly acquired Ffunky Chicken 3641 who, whilst first over the line, were knocked back on handicap to third by the classic Vamoose sailed by Bobby Salmond and Pat Magnus and second placed Silver Panda.

Race 2 saw a less frantic start but headers, lifts and gusts kept all crews working hard and Campbell/Galbraith were pushed hard by second placed Silver of George and Roddy in Panda with Vamoose third.

In race 3 the Ffunky Chicken again prevailed with Atholl King and Trevor Bellis from Derwent second and Vamoose third.

Overall the top prize went to Graeme Galbraith and Graham Campbell in Ffunky Chicken with Bobby Salmond and Pat Magnus in the classic Vamoose 1 point adrift in second. Atholl King and Trevor Bellis in 3939 from Derwent Reservoir came in third.

Apart from hosting the event Portavadie Marina generously presented winners with whisky and restaurant vouchers in addition to the Holy Loch Sailing Club silverware. A top class event at a top class venue, FFs will be back at Portavadie next year.

Results:

Sail No: Boat Name: Position:
3347 Panda (Silver) 1
3200 Riff Raff (Silver) 2
516 Ffunky Chicken (Classic) 3
3034 Nae Ffear (Classic) 4
2898 Genisis (Classic) 5
2728 Trigger (Classic) 6
2902 Woffle (Classic) 7
2815 Macduff (Classic) 8
2844 Efficacious (Classic)

Scottish Travellers next event will be at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club on 7 July.

Flying 15s Scotland website
Flying 15s UK website