Sarclet racing is a close-run affair

THE sailors of Wick Model Yacht Club endured a drizzly day on April 7 as they took to Sarclet Loch in a strong breeze with mid-sized sails.

Sailing into the oncoming wind, the boats headed towards the shed before tacking over to the “scarf” rock and back again.

Shangani was sailing closer to the eye of the wind, requiring less tacks. This tactic slowed its progress. The others, with more speed, covered the extra distance in less time.

On the return, with spinnakers fitted, Apollo hugged the short shore, requiring multiple adjustments each time.

Firewood, heading to the long side, was adjusted and then sailed all the way to the finish line. Shangani was catching with a spinnaker fitted. It was a close call at the finish as the three were neck and neck.

David Miller Cup: 1, Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson, 26m 18s; 2, Apollo, 26m 35s; 3, Shangani, 27m 23s; 4, Aurora, 29m 48s.

The second race was similar to the first but the tactic of Shangani, sailed by Tony Wilson, paid off.

It sailed very close to the wind and rapidly extended a lead which it maintained to the end.

On the return, Apollo and Firewood headed towards the “hole”. Fortunately Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam and Willie Thomson, picked up no weeds, which hampered the progress of Firewood.

Aurora, sailed by Archie and Fiona Miller, hugging the short shore, passed both Apollo and Firewood.

Cameo Shield first leg: 1, Shangani, 23m 32s; 2, Aurora, 27m 24s; 3, Apollo, 27m 42s; 4, Firewood, 29m 02s.

On March 31, a bitterly cold day, mid to large-sized sails were selected. From the start spinnakers were fitted.

A well-prepared Apollo stretched a comfortable lead on the short side from the following fleet.

Aurora, sailed by Archie Miller, and Firewood, with smaller spinnakers, were blown over to the long side. No times were recorded due to a failure of the stopwatch.

Valkyrie Cup results: 1, Apollo, sailed by Donald McWilliam; 2, Aurora; 3, Firewood; 4, Pioneer, sailed by Peter and Louise Sinclair.

A slight change in wind direction and a larger spinnaker improved the speed of Firewood in the next race. Pioneer was trailing but its performance was improved when its mast was moved during the race. McAllan Shield first leg: 1, Firewood, sailed by Kevin Paterson; 2, Aurora; 3, Apollo, 4, Pioneer.

On March 24 members had very light winds so the model yachts were fitted with their largest sails.

During the outward leg Valhalla and Firewood pulled away from Aurora and Pioneer. As they passed the “scarf” rock the wind strength reduced and the Firewood fell behind allowing Valhalla to extend a well-deserved lead.

On the return, with spinnakers fitted, Aurora caught and passed Firewood as it sailed slowly with weeds on its keel. Pioneer struggled in light winds and was removed from racing.

Donaldson Cup results: 1, Valhalla, sailed by Sandy Bremner, 36m 38s; 2, Aurora, sailed by Archie Miller and Katie McKinnon, 40m 03s; 3, Firewood, 45m 16s.

The second race started well but as the boats passed the halfway point the wind dropped and they pirouetted, eventually coming to the shore. The race was then abandoned.

Sailing continues on Saturday with the 4ft-class boats at 2pm. For more details visit wmyc.site90.com