707 Class at the Royal Forth Yacht Club One Design Weekend

Winners Partial Pressure, pictured here at the Mudhook Regatta © Neill Ross

A very big man or a very small trophy? © Greg Southall

Six 707s joined the Dragon and H Boat class for a weekend's racing at Royal Forth Yacht Club. New kids on the block Partial Pleasure warmed up for the nationals by taking the win, while it was also great to see Buccaneer out on the water for their first event since the boat returned to Scotland.

Saturday morning dawned with good wind and gusts touching 20 knots at times. Race 1 saw Partial Pleasure pull out a commanding lead of the rest of the fleet over the first lap. Caccaitore, helmed by Emily Robertson and with a crew regularly seen on the podiums of the Scottish Student Sailing circuit, brought up the rear having spent the majority of the pre-start 'testing their spinnaker'. The race was eventually won by Jetstream (Justin Venter), as Partial Pleasure showed their 'inexperience' (inability to read the instructions) by attempting an unnecessary third lap. Murray MacDonald of Autism on the Water was the other beneficiary, claiming an impressive second with a depleted crew of 3.

Races 2 and 3 saw Partial Pleasure learn from mistakes and take the race win, although not without coming under pressure from Caccaitore and Jetstream. Race 4 was a much tighter affair, with Caccaitore showing great pace and leading for much of the race. In a photo finish, and after some manoeuvres which would be more familiar to fans of match racing than fleet racing, the race was eventually won by Partial Pleasure.

The scene was set for a fascinating days racing on Sunday with Cacciatore putting increasing pressure on Partial Pleasure, and Jetstream favouring the lighter conditions. Unfortunately the weather was not favourable, and a combination of light winds, tide, and swell saw Race 5 and eventually the days racing abandoned.

Victorious helm Andy McKeown of Partial Pleasure said: "Thanks to Royal Forth Yacht Club for putting on such a great event with well-run and exciting racing on the water and top quality hospitality in the club house. We'll definitely be back next year and hope this event becomes a regular in the 707 calendar!"

Overall Results: