Scottish Optimist Travellers Round 2 at St Mary's Loch Sailing Club

Scottish Optimist Travellers at St Mary's Lock © Gregor Watt

On 10-11 September the 2nd Optimist Traveller, together with some Fevas and Toppers, arrived at St Mary's Loch Sailing Club. It's a friendly, vibrant, family orientated sailing club which is located in the picturesque Scottish Borders. With beautiful surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, well appointed clubhouse and excellent company, not to mention some great weather and plenty of space to camp. The scene was set for a good weekend.

The Regatta fleet had started by the time I arrived, Coach Ali had them all occupied out on the water doing what Regatta fleet sailors do. A leisurely midday briefing for the Main Fleets was quickly followed by a downwind run to the committee boat. Some very close racing over six short sharp races in champagne sailing conditions left Conner and Ben the overnight leaders followed by Finn, Henry and myself on almost equal points and with Morven, Anna and Elouise having their own battle amongst themselves.

Scottish Optimist Travellers at St Mary's Lock - photo © Andy Robertson

Sunday's forecast was for the breeze to build so after a quick nine o'clock briefing we all headed out onto the loch. There were some big shifty gusts in a building breeze which left topper and Feva obstacles strewn around the race course or wrapped around marks. We completed the three races required to make the series of nine and were back ashore before it became too windy.

This gave us some time to pack up and have the prize giving. Well done to all the sailors surviving the blustery conditions on Sunday.

Thanks go to St Mary's Loch Sailing Club for all their effort on and especially off the water, and the ever patient parents who spent a pleasant day on Saturday, cycling, walking or just sitting about in the sun.

Overall Results: