Sailing: Strathmore series hailed a success

Oct 1 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH sailors basked in beautiful September sunshine at the start of the club’s Strathmore series.

A short contest of four races, held over two days, eight boats took to the water – with some struggling to reach the start line due to the calm conditions.

Graham Keir (Solo) led to the first mark, followed by Andrew Porteous (Solo). Chris Watson (Laser) was being overtaken by Sandy Rodger (Albacore), crewed by daughter Jennifer.

Participants had to be on their guard as a ship leaving Perth harbour worked its way through the fleet, although, thankfully, kept out of harm’s way.

The race was shortened to two rounds as boats became too spread out and time was running out.

Graham was first over the finish, followed by Collin, with Sandy and Jennifer in third position. Two crews bowed out before crossing the line.

The second installment saw the course sailed in reverse due to a change of wind direction.

Graham once again took the lead, followed by Bill Inches (Firefly) then Sandy.

Bill unfortunately hit the first mark of the second round, incurring a penalty turn.

A hot air balloon, drifting overhead, managed to keep contestants entertained as the course started to resemble a mill pond.

With Ian Sadlers (International 14), crewed by Robin MacArthur, struggling against the tide to the rear of the fleet, the race was again shortened to two rounds.

The wind then fell away altogether and only two boats managed to complete the race, Graham crossing the line ahead of Sandy and Jennifer – with six boats retiring.

Conditions were once again glorious for the penultimate race of the series on the Sunday, as nine boats attempted to sail a two-mark course.

Graham crept into the lead, followed by Collin, but Robin MacArthur – crewed by Ian Sadler – also pulled ahead.

What little wind there was then totally dropped and the fleet was reduced to holding their own, stationary against the incoming tide.

Chris kept well to the north bank, avoiding the strongest pull of the current, and eased ahead of Robin and Collin.

As a result of the lack of any real bluster, the race was shortened to half a lap.

Graham crossed the line first, followed by Robin and Ian, with Chris in third and a total of four boats retiring.

The wind increased again to a light easterly as eight boats started the final race of the series.

The marks were pulled in to make the course shorter in an effort to enable all competitors to complete the course.

Graham led to the first checkpoint, followed by Chris, with Collin on his stern.

John Ferguson (International 14), crewed by Oliver Williamson, was next in the field, followed by Robin and Ian, then Andrew Porteous (Solo) and the Macdonald Bahia.

The fleet managed to complete four rounds, offering an exciting finish – with only a second or two separating some of the boats.

Graham was first over the line, followed by Collin and Chris.

FINAL scores were as follows: 1, Shusui (G Keir), 2, Overy Action (C Watson), 3, Solo (A Porteous), 4, Solo (C Fullerton).