Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth Yacht Club

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC © Hannah Robertson

Out of respect for our late Queen, a difficult decision was made to modify the RFYC's annual One Design Regatta for 707s, Dragons, H-Boats and Squibs to four races on Saturday 17th September (rather than the usual two days) and informally rename it the 'Queen Elizabeth Regatta'.

This event incorporates the Scottish Dragon Championship, the Scottish and Northern Squib Championships and the H-Boat Nationals.

This change resulted in a small number of cancellations, however 19 boats still entered, including two Dragons travelling from Yorkshire and Findhorn, and two 707s who sailed down the Forth from Port Edgar.

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC - photo © Hannah Robertson

The wind and weather were kind with 12-20 knots blowing straight from the Forth Bridges giving PRO John Robertson and his mark-laying team a relatively easy time. Four races were smoothly started and finished with a quick turnaround to get everyone ashore for the prize-giving and post-racing curry. Prizes were generously provided by sponsors Pickering's Gin with fleet winners receiving a bottle of their special 'Queen Elizabeth' Gin and all competitors given a can of Pickering's Gin & Tonic.

The Dragon Fleet saw competitive racing with Richard Leask and Peter Cooke from RFYC on close points with Crispin Blyth from the Royal Yorkshire YC. We congratulate Richard who took first place overall as winner of the last race.

The Squibs, all from RFYC, were dominated by Will Davies who was able to forgo the last race to prepare curry for everyone on-shore (thank you Will). Second and third places were taken by Derek Gibb and Mark Taylor after a tie-break.

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC - photo © Hannah Robertson

John Blair got a clean sweep in the small 707 fleet and Dermot Gorman prevailed in the H-Boats, albeit with some close racing at times in both fleets (and some broaching entertainment provided by 707 Cacciatore).

Overall, it was a great day of racing with the Royal Forth hospitality before and after racing being well received by all. We are proud to have played our part this year in first celebrating the Jubilee of our Queen Elizabeth II and in commemorating her life this last weekend.

More photos (courtesy of Hannah Robertson, Mark Harding and Sarah Robertson): www.royalforth.org/one-design-regatta-2022/image-gallery

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC - photo © Hannah Robertson

707 Results:

Dragon Results:

H-Boat Results:

Squib Results:

Queen Elizabeth Regatta at Royal Forth YC - photo © Hannah Robertson