2023 Opening Regatta

SAILING

The first race of 2023 took place on Wednesday, when the excellent easterly wind, which had been with us since last weekend, decided to moderate considerably. However, it prevailed long enough to give the participants one round of the Lazaretto/Marina Course.

Following the second race of Series 1 next Wednesday, we have our traditional Opening Regatta on the first Saturday of May. This happens to coincide with the Coronation, so a Coronation Regatta, in conjunction, is being held.

The Trophies and prizes for the Opening Regatta will still be presented at the November prizegiving, but, following the racing on Saturday 6th, there will be a presentation of specially commissioned Coronation glasses to the top two, three, or four in each Class, (dependent on entry), and every sailor, helm and crew will receive a specially commissioned Coronation/HLSC memento of the occasion.

I have already been advised that there could be 8+ White Sail competitors, and with an invitation having been extended to the Piper fleet at RGYC, there could be a dozen Piper starters. Great interest has also been generated in the dinghy class, and the Flying Fifteens could be up to half a dozen.

The TIME GUN will be at 1400, but contrary to the mass start normally utilised at morning and afternoon regattas, the starts will be in the sequence applied to Evening Racing. My expectation of the number participating has influenced this decision.

Let us hope for a sunny day, a pleasant wind of force 3-4 up or down the Loch, and the prizegiving and afternoon tea on the “lawn”.

Bill

Sailing Secretary