RC35 Scottish Championships in Haven Knox-Johnston Kip Regatta at Royal Western Yacht Club, Scotland
by Robin Young 14 May 15:20 BST
11-12 May 2024
The first event of the RC35 Scottish Championships was held on the 11th and 12th May in the waters of the lower Clyde off Inverkip Marina.
The class were met with beautiful sunshine on Saturday morning and a light northerly breeze. With entries for this event made up of two Corby 33s and four J109s some very close racing was expected.
The first race got away in 6-8knts of breeze and a strong flood tide. John Stanley-White's J109 Blue Jay made a great start and showed solid boat speed to end the race too close to the Corby 33s for them to make their required time on handicap, and take the race win.
After a delay where the wind came and went, and then came back again, the PRO managed to complete two more shorter races. Blue Jay continued to show great boat speed both up and down wind to take two more wins and complete a very successful day 1 of three bullets.
Kip Marina put on a great Saturday night with crews dancing into the small hours. This was topped off with some amazing solar activity and the Aurora looking amazing.
Sunday brought slightly more wind and overcast skies. John Stamp's Corby 33 Jacob VII managed to get away in the first race after Blue Jay was a little early for the start and was recalled. The first place for Jacob added to her two second places on the Saturday and meant it was all still to play for in the Race 5.
A slight wind shift at the start of the final race had most of the fleet struggling to make the pin end of the line. Robin Young's J109 Jings started at the committee boat end on port and managed to get into the shore first and out the tide. Only being past on the final leg of the race by Corbies meant they took the win in the final race. Jacob came in second and Blue Jay in third meant Blue Jay held on to take the class win followed by Jacob and Jings.
To top off a great weekend for Blue Jay they were also awarded the overall Regatta win for the best results of all competitors.