Scottish District IOM Travellers 2 at Greenock

Scottish District IOM Travellers at Greenock © Hugh Shields

The second race of the series got underway during the weekend. Local skipper Richard Rowan was determined to better his last result from race 1 at Forfar Reservoir. His boat previously suffered radio failure, in which allowed his final score to be masked from his performance. Therefore, this was a chance to make amend from the first event. It was pleasing to see skippers willing to make the journey from all over Scotland to Greenock. In all, 12 skippers arrived at the lakeside only to be greeted by a lake, which had virtually no wind. What little wind there was came from the north which became a challenge for the Race Team when setting a fair course.

Mindful the event had to continue, the first race was started on time and by the lunch break 6 races were completed. At this stage Ian Dundas and Robert Rooney, both sailing versions of the Corbie design were sailing consistently. In the light, variable wind conditions skippers struggled to find space at the start line, knowing a good position at the start would potentially give them the advantage when sailing to the windward mark. However, after the lunch break the wind changed and strengthened to the expected South Easterly direction. The Race Team immediately changed the course to the opposite side of the lake and motivated the skippers to return their boats to the water.

It was at this stage the competition started to become more interesting. Richard Rowan began to achieve more consistent scores. Ian Dundas continued to race conservatively. Brian Summers was never far away from the leaders and kept his challenge alive with a number of second places in the afternoon session.

After 19 rounds of sailing, congratulations went to Ian Dundas who won the event by 6pts, to second place Richard Rowan. The event was sailed with a positive and a fair competitive spirit. The wind conditions improved throughout the day, which allowed for a very enjoyable event hosted by the Greenock Club. Many thanks goes to the race team of John Taylor, Hughie Shields, John Mason and David Smith.

Overall Results:

Scottish District IOM Travellers at Greenock - photo © Hugh Shields