2025 Race Report – Series 1, Race 3

Pipers

A timeous thermal breeze created ideal conditions for Wednesday’s evening race and the Piper Class joined the dozen strong fleet of yachts and dinghies for a mass start off the Clubhouse. Aboard Billie, guest helmsman and retired Piper sailor, Alan Waugh, timed his run in to the start line to perfection and led the fleet down to the first mark at Strone . In close pursuit was Tom Piper with regular crew of Fergus Campbell and Ali Gordon , but also benefitting from a guest foredeck hand in Iain Sinclair. As the long first round drew to a close, they took the lead while, as in last week’s race, Andy Love made great gains as the race proceeded to snatch the runners up position in the final round.

On Saturday, the Sailing Club played hosted for the Annual Piper Cocktail Party in the Clubhouse which, as well as local Piper crews and friends, was also attended by Association members from as far as Glasgow and Paisley, and a keen bunch of sailors arriving by fast Inflatable from neighbouring Royal Gourock Yacht Club. Their enthusiasm was rewarded by enjoying an excellent evening of social activity to temper the usual intensive competitive spirit displayed on the water while racing, thus demonstrating the close bond of friendship and connection within the Class.

White Sail

While Jim Hoey's Judicious and Nigel Scriven's Moonlight started close together near the port end of the line, Duncan Chalmers' Atia was nearer the starboard end. The first two boats gained a stronger breeze earlier and Judicious had the advantage at the Strone mark, and stretched this further on the downwind leg, with Moonlight in pursuit, and Atia staying in touch. This order remained to the finish, but once the handicap was applied, Judicious's lead was insufficient, giving the win to Moonlight and second place to Atia.

Dinghies

Three dinghies competed on Wednesday evening. The strongest breeze of the racing season so far favoured the trapeze boats. 1st Musto Skiff – Andrew Hooten, 2nd Contender – Neil Wilson, 3rd Albacore Fin Hurrel and Harris Munns.