Mocking J take the RC35 Class win at JURA Scottish Series 2024

Jura Scottish Series Day 3 - Combined IRC Start Jim Dervin, No Worries, IRC, J109 © Marc Turner / PFM Pictures

The 2024 JURA Scottish Series, hosted by the Clyde Cruising Club, brought excitement and innovation back to Loch Fyne, showcasing cutting-edge technology with smart marks and reduced RIB usage. Over four days, 13 competitors battled fiercely in nine races in IRC1 incorporating the RC35 Class, all displaying exceptional skill and strategy.

Friday's opener faced frustratingly light winds, causing the first race to be abandoned as many struggled to reach the starting line. The sole race of the day eventually started at 2 pm, with John Stanley-White on Blue Jay securing both line honours and a handicap win, narrowly beating the Irish boat Something Else from Dun Laoghaire.

Jura Scottish Series Day 2 - John Stamp, Jacob VII, IRC, Corby 33 - photo © Marc Turner / PFM Pictures

Saturday brought perfect conditions with steady breezes and clear skies. The race officer positioned the top mark next to a striking Norwegian fishing vessel and the short spreader mark demanded quick crew work in order to get a clean kite hoist and was especially challenging for those coming in from the left and executing a deft hand break turn. The day's four races were thrilling, with Ben Shelley on Mocking-Jay dominating the second race. John Stamp on Jacob VII claimed victory in the third race, with Jings in second place. Mocking-Jay made a strategic move upwind of a tanker to gain ground in the fourth race, while Jacob VII won the fifth race after a fierce duel with Mocking-Jay. The day ended with sailors celebrating in Tarbert with fireworks and dancing to Big Vern and the Shooters.

Jura Scottish Series Day 2 - Ben Shelley, Mocking-J, IRC, J109 - photo © Marc Turner / PFM Pictures

Sunday's 20 knots of wind, rain, and clouds tested the fleet. The day began with a short race followed by a gruelling race around Inchmarnock. Competitors faced a long fetch to the island and then struggled to hold kites to the mark. The course was shortened at Skate Island due to adverse weather, leaving many cold and wet. Tragically, Jacob VII hit the rocks and retired, while Blue Jay claimed another handicap win, with Jings second. Thankfully the was no serious damage to Jacob VII and she would be racing again on Monday.

Jura Scottish Series Day 3 - Robin Young, Jings, IRC, J109 - photo © Marc Turner / PFM Pictures

By Monday, it was Mocking-Jay's series to lose. The final race saw all but Jings opting for the left side of the course. Jings ventured right, benefiting from an early breeze and leading near to the top mark. However, Mocking-Jay exploited a small puff of breeze, executing two perfect tacks to round the windward mark ahead of Jings. Both boats hoisted their kites and surged ahead.

In the end, Mocking-Jay secured the series victory with their a good strategy and consistent pace. Despite Jacob VII winning the final race, it wasn't enough to overtake Mocking-Jay in the standings.

Jura Scottish Series Day 4 - Class Winner Ben Shelley, Mocking-J, IRC, J109 - photo © Marc Turner / PFM Pictures

The 2024 Scottish Series on Loch Fyne highlighted the best of RC35 class racing, enhanced by smart marks and reduced RIB usage. From challenging light winds to exhilarating strong breezes, the event underscored the skill and resilience of all competitors. Congratulations to Mocking-Jay for their stellar performance and to all sailors for making this an unforgettable series.

Overall Results:

www.scottishseries.co.uk