Loch Long One-Design National Championships at Cove Sailing Club

Loch Long One-Design National Championships on the Clyde 2015 © Shona Shields

Loch Long One-Design National Championships on the Clyde 2015 © Shona Shields

Team 'Electra' wins the Loch Long One-Design National Championships on the Clyde 2015 © Shona Shields

Nineteen boats took part in the Loch Long One-Design National Championships from 19th to 24th July 2015 on the Clyde. The event was hosted by Cove Sailing Club (CSC) and supported by a number of generous sponsors including local businesses New World Yacht Care, GSS and Nicholson Hughes Sails as well as a number of private individuals connected with the class.

The fleet comprised eleven boats from the Clyde and eight from Aldeburgh in Suffolk who made the long trip north to compete on the Loch Long's original home waters. The Clyde fleet included two recently renovated boats, Grey Goose (124) which had been ashore for twenty five years and Elizabeth (33) which was last afloat more than thirty five years ago.

The 10 race series was held in the mid firth in generally moderate winds of 10 to 16 knots which allowed experienced race officer Howard Morrison to set a series of suitably challenging windward-leeward courses as well as one distance race around the cans.

The Clyde Cup was won convincingly by Alan DeVenny in Electra (109) who added to his previous success of 2006. He was crewed by Calum Foulis for the week along with Neil Manderson and Robbie Devenny who both sailed for a day each. Electra set a commanding lead after the first 2 days and defended with consistent results for the rest of the regatta to finish the week with five race wins and a low score of 13 points.

Runners up were Murray Caldwell and Zoe Robinson in Grey Goose (124) with 24 points while host club Commodore; Annie Burden helmed Moonshine (102) to two race victories and into third place overall on 31 points with the help of crew Simon Jackson and Bruce Jamieson. The next positions were closely fought, with Pied Piper (20 sailed by Eric Robertson, Alan McLeod and Erin Maconnachie taking fourth place just ahead of John and Catriona McMurtrie in Tarka (117).

The top Aldeburgh visitor was Tom Robinson in Eden (138) who was crewed by Isabelle Journe who secured sixth place overall and the travellers trophy. Special mention goes to 18 year old George Hill on Skye (142) who received the Vanduara trophy for the most improved boat as well as securing a race win against very experienced competition.

The father and daughter team of Alan and Rachel Harper in Capricorn (66) posted some impressive results and were unlucky not to win the last race of the week. Jimmy's Cup for Endeavour was awarded to James Powell in Iona in recognition of his efforts in organising a trip for Loch Longs to compete in France earlier in the season.

The week was rounded off with a prizegiving and buffet at Cove Sailing Club and Association Commodore Alan McLeod thanked all those involved in putting on such a successful regatta.

Loch Long One-Design National Championships on the Clyde 2015 - photo © Shona Shields

Overall Results:

Loch Long One-Design National Championships on the Clyde 2015 - photo © Shona Shields