Duncans Challenger Regatta at Clyde Cruising Club
by John D Heron 29 Aug 2008 19:39 BST
25-26 August 2008
Action from the Duncan Yacht Chandlers’ Challenger Regatta © John Heron
Disabled sailing members and their able-bodied helpers were host to well over 100 special visitors and guests when they held their annual on Saturday & Sunday 23rd & 24th August. The Challenger flotilla is now in its 21st year since formation in 1987.
Three fine races on Saturday in extremely variable winds, typical of the inland Bardowie Loch conditions saw a keen entry of Gold and Bronze Class Challenger sailors from across Scotland. Sunday brought stronger force 4 to 5 WSW wind and an early heavier rain squall to enliven the conditions for the final race of the event for all boats. This gave added excitement, especially for the pillion-assisted Bronze sailors.
A closely fought competition in Gold Class resulted in Liz Eaton from Cramond S.C. Edinburgh, taking first and winning the Duncan Cup for 2008. Second was Alex Hodge of Clyde Cruising Club and Third was David Chalmers, also of C.C.C.
The variable weather conditions produced a special battle for first position line honours in Bronze Class. The result was; First—Graham Ritchie, C.C.C. Scotstoun; Second, Ruth Foley, C.C.C. Glasgow; Third, Lorna Turnbull, C.C.C. Kirkintilloch; Fourth, Jamie Scott of Loch Venachar Sailing Club.
A helpers’ race on Sunday was enjoyed by nine enthusiastic buddies over three laps. Ian Taggart, CCC Challenger Flotilla founder, surprised himself with the advantage of a prompt start and managed to keep all the others behind him to come home ahead of Elspeth Mann, CCC, who took second place. Third place was held by another member of Clyde Cruising Club, Ronnie Cameron.
Principal visitor, The Lord Dean of Guild of The Merchant House of Glasgow, John Chapman with his wife Judith and Craftsmen Deacons of The Trades House of Glasgow Drapers Fund were among the special guests and former members present.
After the racing, all competing sailors, including our visitors from Cramond, Helensburgh, Lochaber and Loch Venachar, joined in a Sail Past for the Commodore Howard Morrison to the accompaniment of the pipes of Iain MacLeod.
Then it was time to join in a celebration—our “Tea Party at the Loch”. This was ably organised by willing Shore Buddies and supported by co-sponsors Thomas Tunnoch Ltd. The Uddingston chocolate biscuit makers and A.G. Barr Plc., producers of IRN-BRU, Scotland’s “other National Drink”.