HD sails Scottish Streaker traveller series at St Mary's Loch Sailing Club

David Parkin (second overall) with the overall winner, Jim Sinclair - HD sails Scottish Streaker traveller series at St Mary's Loch © David Parkin

The second event in the HD sails Scottish Streaker traveller series was held at St Mary's Loch SC on May 16th. St Mary's loch is probably the highest and most scenic club in the UK. It is also a long way south being close to the border.

The event was very busy as there was also the Supernova Scottish Championship, an ILCA traveller along with Fevas, Toppers and Optimists meaning probably 75 boats parked on the shore of the loch. Because of the popularity entries closed well before the event which meant some of the usual suspects didn't take part. Five Scottish boats were joined by Chris Godwin, the class association secretary, from Rutland water. Iain Macintyre (Loch Tummel SC) and Adam Nutt (Prestwick SC) sailed their first Scottish Streaker event.

The forecast was for a SW wind of 6-12 mph blowing down the loch though this seemed optimistic when we launched. Fortunately the junior classes were using a separate course area about 1km from the club but this gave us a sail of nearly 4km to reach our course at the other end of the loch.

Race 1 (Windward Leeward)

This started in a light shifty wind with holes and shifts. As expected this didn't stop Jim Sinclair (ELYC) getting into the lead followed by Katie Masterton (StMLSC) using her knowledge of where the wind would come from. Ian M wasn't far behind them with no further change. There was then a close race for the other places up to the finish.

Race 2 (same course)

The wind had now picked up allowing comfortable sitting on the side decks. Jim again led but with Katie closer behind. On the last lap the wind increased considerably allowing David Parkin (Aberdeen and Stonehaven YC) to come through to 3rd.

Race 3 (Trapezoid)

It was now blowing hard enough for everyone to be depowering. Jim led at the windward mark with David not far behind, but too far to be a threat. A battle for 3rd place between Katie and Iain continued all the way round the 3 laps with fast planing on the reaches and long hard beats. Iain ultimately beat Katie.

Race 4 (Trapezoid)

It was now even windier with big gusts, rain and a drop in temperature. At the windward mark Jim was leading with David 10 yards behind though this was the last time he was at all challenged. With the challenging conditions getting safely round was the aim, avoiding the stragglers from the Supernova fleet who started 5 minutes before us. David was second having loosely covered Katie with Iain 4th and Adam in 5th. Chris sensibly retired having done well to get that far having recently had surgery.

We were then faced with a 4km beat into this increasing wind and chop and we were all very cold by the time we got to the club.

Overall Jim, who is in a different league to the rest of us, won followed by David then Katie on equal points and separated on countback.

Many thanks must go to St Mary's Loch SC who ran an extremely well organised meeting both on the water and ashore. For a small club this was most impressive.

The next event in the series is at East Lothian YC on June 6&7.

Overall Results: