International Canoe National Championship at Loch Lomond Sailing Club - Overall

The final race of the championship was contested on the final Saturday at Loch Lomond with a strong southerly breeze blowing directly from Hells Gate between the islands of Inchcruin and Inchfad. It was through this rocky gap that the fleet was sent on the first beat towards a buoy positioned safely clear of the rocks off the island of Creinch.

Once clear of Hell's Gate the chop picked up and it was Alistair Warren who extended a lead up the long beat with Simon Beers, Robin Wood and Tony Robertshaw next on the water.

Next the course took the boats back north to the moorings in front of the clubhouse, But this time between Inchfad and Inchcailloch islands. Here we had the first lead change with the Maas boats of Simon Beers and Robin Wood both moving clear ahead of Alistair Warren's Monkey. From the club it was a fast reach towards Strathcashell Point before the rounding of InchLonaig island.

International Canoe Nationals at Loch Lomond day 4 - photo © Katie Hughes

It was InchLonaig island that would see the next place changes as the early boats round became becalmed to the north of the island. Emma Grigull and Chris Hampe were able to come in from behind, rounding much closer to the island to close up to the pack.

Upon rounding InchLonaig the boats would reach across to a final mark north of Inchfad before a run to the finish in front of the club house. Here the final lead change happened, Robin Wood passed Simon Beers to win the Sailing Challenge Cup and complete a commanding series for the national championships.

International Canoe Nationals at Loch Lomond day 4 - photo © Katie Hughes

As the leaders were finishing the pack was in a close battle for fourth, Chris Hampe, Emma Grigull, Tony Robertshaw, Steve Clarke and Dan Skinner all completing the rounding of InchLonaig together after 10 miles of racing.

The IC one-design battle in this last race was won by Loch Lomond member Peter McLaren.

Further photos: www.flickr.com/photos/190580832@N07/albums/72177720310124959 (and in the gallery above)

Emma Grigul in 'Wild Venture' - International Canoe Nationals at Loch Lomond day 4 - photo © Katie Hughes

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the International Canoe nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

Alistair Warren in 'Monkey' - International Canoe Nationals at Loch Lomond day 4 - photo © Katie Hughes