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25 August 2007

Largs Regatta Week Report

brClydeports’ Cumbraes Weekend Underway

at Largs Annual Regatta Week

25 August 2007 – Day 1



Seven Keelboat Fleets and four Dinghy Fleets went afloat today for the first racing of Largs Regatta Week. Largs Hacht Haven and LSC Clubhouse were bustling as the sailors prepared for the days racing which incorporates IRC classes, CYCA classes, restricted sail, lasers, handicap dinghies, Asymmetrics and Toppers. The total entry stands at 137 boats and it looked fantastic from the shore, especially when the colourful spinnakers were hoisted for the down wind legs.



The weather was just what was required, albeit slightly grey. The wind was there and that’s what matters giving everyone good racing in breeze generally above 15 knots across all 3 race areas. The sun shone for the early evening activities which involved a rewarding pint whilst taking in the sounds of the 15 piece steel band playing on the balcony of Largs Sailing Club.



Action afloat saw close competition on the dinghy fleet across all classes. Local sailors Andy McDaid and Willie Todd battled it out in the lasers, the 49ers did their best to ensure masts were pointed to the skies and returning from the RS200 nationals, having finished 6th overall, Robbie Burns and crew Vicki Simpson, of LSC, managed to find the energy to work their boat hard and finished 2nd in the asymmetric class. The Topper class had a fleet of 28 boats with the results counting towards their traveler series. Anna Gorzkowska won overall but Murray Clark tried hard and finished within seconds of her in Race 1 and 2.



Out on the big boat courses there were battles in IRC class one between Playing Ftse and Tiso Thunderbird who were having some great boat to boat racing although the race honors went to Local hero, BH41 and Sloop John T, Swan 40, with Local hero winning overall on 3 points. Pure Magic, skippered by Des Balmforth won both races in class 2 which was an extremely competitive gathering of 16 boats. They managed to keep some of the bigger boats in the class such as Hops and Significant Hops at bay.



The sportsboat fleet had a 1720 family dual between father and son ‘Frize’. Chaz Frize, jnr, was taking the lead and the port start flyer for the second race really helped him stay ahead.



The largest fleet, out with the topper traveler class, was the restricted sail class 5 with 18 yachts. This has proved to be a popular choice and just because the term restricted sail is used do not presume the racing is off less value. With gorgeous yachts such as J110, Sweden 42s, Fatasi 44PH the boats are awesome and graceful to watch. Skerryvore won overall counting a 1st and a 3rd.



All fleets will start consecutively tomorrow and race together around the islands of Great and Little Cumbrae. Following the racing there will be a prize giving in the club house for all to attend.



The full results are posted on www.scottishsailinginstitute.com



Ends

Contact details:

Joanna Turner

Scottish Sailing Institute, Largs Yacht Haven, Largs T: 01475 670011 M: 07786 736907