The inaugural Scottish / Northern Combined Circuit event kicked of at Largs sailing club on 21/22 May. The circuit is sponsored by Scottish RS Dealer, http://www.jpwatersports.co.uk

 The forecast was showing gale’s that understandably put some boats of travelling. Some boats travelled and on arrival returned home after looking out to sea.    For those that stayed great sailing was enjoyed by all in some huge gusts at times. The shelter of Largs channel provided a safe area to hold some first class racing provided by race officer Chris Nicol and his team.

Saturday and the breeze was averaging 25 knots with gusts of 30 from the S/W.

Race 1 1254 took the lead only to go for a dip in the ocean trying to complete a double gybe to make the leeward mark. Comments were made on the early exit from the boat by helm Robbie Burns before the boat had even started to capsize. Burns’s excuse was that the crew should not be on the same side as the sails ! 908 went on to win from 447 followed by 395.

Race 2. 908 took the lead only for 1254 to pass downwind. 1254 argued with  the kite at the l/w mark and 908 overtook. 908 extended upwind to take the win from 1254 with furthest travelled boat 1439 taking 3^rd.

With the breeze continuing to build race officer wisely sent boats ashore for a well-earned rest. Saturday night and host club Largs put on a excellent meal and live music was enjoyed by all.

Sunday dawned less breezy averaging 16 knots but with some viscous squalls in excess of 35 knots coming in from the west. This lead to some exciting downwind sailing.

Race 3 was a tightly fought battle between all the boats. 1439 led round the w/w mark. Eventually 1254 overtook to take the win from the ever improving 1439. 908 finished 4^th, this meant that it was all to play for the overall lead.

Race 4 first beat was again very close. 908 took a commanding lead. On the 2^nd upwind leg a gust of 39 knots was recorded, fully hiked with all sails ragging was slightly surreal ! 908 knotted the kite halyard on leg 2 at the l/w mark. These let 1254 recover and overtake 908 on the 3 rd downwind leg. 1254 then went to finish the raced only to find that they needed to sail another lap instead of crossing the finish line!

The breeze then again picked up to a constant 33 knots and sailors were sent ashore.

With that win 908 took a deserved win with 1254 2^nd and 1439 3^rd overall.

Photos available at:-

http://fotoboat.thirdlight.com/gallery.tlx?containerid=176625

The next combined event is at East Lothian on 4^th and 5^th of June. Pre entry is required so enter now to avoid disappointment.