Regatta 1987

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Holm Regatta 1987

Busy day for rescue boats in Holm Regatta

Strong northerly winds on Saturday cut down the number of boats taking part in Holm Regatta to only 21 boats - four Lasers, four Catamarans, one 505, one Albacore and eleven Snipes.

Unfortunately, three yachts which set sail from Stromness had to turn back due to the conditions in the Flow.

The five rescue boats had a busy day dealing with all the capsizes and mishaps.

After the class races, lunch was served in the community centre. The wind was still strong and it was therefore decided to drop the Centreboard race and sail the Allcomers over a shortened course.

Prizegiving was held immediately after the completion of the Allcomers and Commodore Jack Foubister thanked the visiting boats, also the rescue boats, the ladies for providing a first class meal, starters and timekeepers and all the other people who had contributed to the success of the day.

At a supper dance held in the Commodore Motel a model Snipe (which was made and donated by Leslie Johnston) was presented to the secretary John Tait for 31 years' service to the club.

Results of the day's sailing:

Lasers

Snipe

Other Boats

Catamarans:

Allcomers

First Snipe in Allcomers Erma, J. Foubister

Points Races

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Burray and South Ronalldsay Regatta 1987

Results

Results in the Burray and South Ronaldsay Regatta included:

Snipe

Merlin Rocket:

Other Centreboards

505

Catamarans Race 1:

Catamarans Race 2:

Allcomers

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Sromness Regatta 1987

Forty boats compete in Stromness Regatta

Unlike last year the weather forecast for the 1987 Stromness Regatta was almost correct although the strong 4 to 5 south easterly winds arrived a little sooner than expected. Nevertheless the sun shone and the organisers could not have asked for anything better.

Forty boats turned up - the same as last year - with the Snipes being the strongest class followed by the lasers both of whom showed an increase in numbers, as did the Catamarans. The Albacores and other boats in general with the exception of the 505s, showed a decline.

The course was the outer one in the Bay of Ireland, giving a distance of 7.2 miles over various legs designed to give as much variation in the prevailing conditions. There were a few complaints about the distance but this was probably from the less fit members. The only other complaint appeared to be at the number one buoy in the Allcomers where a very strong tide affected the deep keeled yachts making rounding difficult. To add to the problems, the centreboard boats arrived at the marker at the same time.

There were two main stages this year: the start line from Sutherland's Pier, which gave starters a far better view, unhindered by fishing boats or ships; and the use of the Navigation School for lunch and the prize giving. Both of these changes were judged to be highly successful with the Navigation School proving to be an excellent centre with its fire escape/balcony making a fine viewing point.

In his speech at the prizegiving the club Commodore Captain Freddy Johnstone, gave a vote of thanks to the rescue boats, without which the regatta could not be held, the starters/timekeepers for their organisation, the club ladies for their excellent lunch and to Captain Robby Sutherland and OIC Education Committee for the use of the school. This was then followed by the prizegiving itself conducted by Mrs. Irene Merriman.

Bosun:

Snipe

Other Centreboards

505

Lasers

Yachts:

Catamarans: Race 1

Catamarans: Race 2

Allcomers Dinghies

Yachts:

Blue Ribands (Allcomers races): Timorea for Centrebooard boats, Aquarius for Yachts, 1st local boat home Speccy Bru. 1st Snipe Fleetwing.

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Rousay Regatta 1987

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After the problems of the Holm Regatta the previous day, the organisers of the Rousay Regatta felt themselves fortunate to have gathered nine boats together to compete.

The two class races were spoiled by flat calm conditions, but the Centreboards and Allcomers races enjoyed more wind.

The rafts, greasy pole and tight rope people provided good entertainment for folk on the pier. #146 was raised by the ladies for Lifeboat funds.

Lasers

Wayfarers

Centreboards:

Allcomers:

The raft race was won by Virgin Challenger.

Westray Regatta 1987

Ideal conditions for Westray Regatta

A strong easterly wind began the day of the Westray Regatta on July 11 but this decreased slighly to see a good entry of boats to the course.

'We were very pleased to see all the boats and there was quite pleasant sailing for the Allcomers race' explained Mr. Duncan Berstan, secretary of the Westray Sailing Club, who organised the annual event.

He pointed out that most of the boats were from outside Westray this year although most were regulars. The course was an anti-clockwise one just outside Pierowall Bay and the cups were resented by Mrs. Netta Harcus, Cubbiegeo, Westray. 'Thanks to the officials and everybody who helped us out for the day' said Mr. Berstan.

Skiffs:

Merlin Rocket:

Lasers

Snipe:

505:

Catamarans Race 1:

Allcomers:

Catamarans Race 2:

Skiffs Allcomers:

Raft Race winners were Egilsay and longest on the greasy pole, Jacky Kennedy.

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Kirkwall Regatta 1987

Eventual success for delayed regatta

For the second year in succession the Orkney Sailing Club's annual Kirkwall Regatta had to be delayed until the Sunday. Racing was cancelled on Saturday, August 1, because of strong north westerly winds which nevereased much all day. However Sunday turned out excellent sailing conditions with fresh north westerly winds making for fast and enjoyable sailing.

First off were the yachts. Sunwake (D. Grieve), Peppermint (R. Hall) from Kirkwall and Bees Knees (M. Grainger) and Wave Dancer (S. Manson) who sailed around from Stromness.

The course for the yachts was Thieve's Holm to Scargun twice round. The sight of the yachts starting created a lot of interest for spectators, who do not normally see yachts racing in Kirkwall Bay.

The dinghy class races started next with the course being Weyland-Crowness and Greenfield twice around. The Snipes were first off the mark followed by Albacores, mixed centreboards, Lasers, 505s and finally the catamarans.

Lunch was served in the Girnel by the Ladies' committee and helpers, then it was back to the water again with the yachts having their second race followed by the centreboard race for the dinghies. This is a handicap race plus prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd boats over the finish line. The catamarans sailed their long race, and then after tea the Allcomers and last Catamaran race were sailed.

After the racing was finished a prizegiving was held in the Girnel with Mrs. May Burgess presenting the prizes. The Club Commodore Mr. Leslie Tait extended a welcome to all visiting boats and especially to the Stromness yachts. He thanked the Ladies' Committee for the meals, the people who supplied and manned the safety boats, the timekeepers and all other helpers who made it such a successful day.

Mr. Mike Grainger thanked the club on behalf of all the visiting sailors and threw down a challenge to the Kirkwall yachts to visit Stromness next year.

At a function in the Girnel on the previous evening the presentation of season's points was held.

The Orkney Sailing Club boats are now preparing to go up to Shetland for the Lerwick Regatta and the Inter-County race in Scalloway.

Yachts:

Snipe

Albacores

Mixed Centreboards

Lasers

505

Catamarans:

Yachts: Race 2

Centreboards

First Snipe in Centreboard Race Jual, J. Brown.

Catamarans: Long Race

Malcolm Gilbertson Cup - Scarlet Lady, G. Burgess

Allcomers

First Snipe in Allcomers: El Dorado P. Johnstone

Crew Cup

Catamarans: Scollay Cup