Forecast strong winds and rain during the day put many sailors off as it was a very reduced number of boats out on the water across all the fleets. However, by evening the wind wasn't as strong as forecast and a perfect westerly breeze greeted the competitors for the third race of the final series of races in the Club’s season. Only one boat turned up in the Piper class to take part! With the Olympic Games taking place, perhaps the other crews were watching it on television to try and learn how to compete successfully in their sport, or maybe, with the annual Piper Championships about to take place in Gourock at the weekend, they were conserving their energy. Regardless the class was admirably represented by Iain Hurrel, Graeme Murray and Lorn Campbell who enjoyed a walkover and an enjoyable sail to boost their chances of success as the sailing season reaches its climax.
With the dinghy class, the normal team of Jamie Rodgers and Neil McLaren were back together for the first time in a while in Great Gonzo. Just before the start a rain shower came through with a bit more wind. The lone dinghy made its way upwind to Mark A and beared away for a long run down-wind, the length of the Holy Loch. The wind built as they went and typically the best wind was just as they approached the mark and had to drop. As they made our way back upwind the wind started to lighten and become very shifty. A theme that continued in the second lap, leading to some quick tacks. Although not much of a race, the result gives Great Gonzo 3 firsts halfway through this series.
Two boats ventured out in the white sails class, with Jim Hoey on Judicious taking the win from Nigel Scriven on Moonlight. Three more races to go before the end of the season and the sailors of all classes will be hoping the weather will play along.
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