Vortex Scottish Championship at Largs Sailing Club
by Vortex Class Association 24 May 2018 16:01 BST
19-20 May 2018
Vortex Scottish Nationals prize winners © Vortex Class Association
Four Vortex sailors travelled to a sunny Largs Sailing Club, joining locals, D Zeros and Skiffs on the Friday night. The customary curry in town, subsidised by the class, was just what was needed after some long drives from as far as London.
A decent force 2/3 from the South with sunshine meant we could get the four scheduled races in the day. Jonathan Carter won the first race, cleverly using the slack tide inshore and banking the corner. Phil Whitehead got his mojo back after an injury and playing about in skiffs, and won the next three races. Jonathan took two seconds and Mike Collins a creditable second in the last race of the day.
A great meal (another curry!) was provide by our very hospitable hosts after a free beer and pies courtesy of the D Zero fleet (nice touch... thanks guys).
Sunday beckoned with grey skies and a stiff force 4 breeze. Phil was late for the start, but Angus Winchester from Castle Semple came into his own with a win in the first race, with Jonathan second. There was some confusion with the shortened course flags which meant Jonathan and Mike sailed on for one more lap. Ed Corteen, Steve Cochrane and Nick Fleming all had their moments over the weekend but decided not to compete in the now stiffening breeze. The sixth race was won by Mike Collins beating Jonathan Carter to the line. Phil had an issue with his spinnaker (never good on knots!) and Angus had a broken halyard.
Phil Whitehead retained the Scottish National Champion title at what is one the best sailing clubs for hospitality and views in Scotland.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 1218 | Phil Whitehead | Yorkshire Dales SC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ‑3 | 1.5 | 3 | 9.5 |
| 2 | 2014 | Jonathan Carter | Rickmansworth SC | 1 | 2 | 2 | ‑3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 1181 | Angus Winchester | Castle Semple SC | 3 | ‑4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1.5 | DNS | 16.5 |
| 4 | 1117 | Mike Collins | Yorkshire Dales SC | ‑7 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 18 |
| 5 | 2016 | Edwyn Corteen | Pennine SC | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | (DNC) | DNC | DNC | 37 |
| 6 | 1084 | Steve Cochrane | Castle Semple SC | 4 | 6 | 6 | (RET) | DNC | DNC | DNC | 40 |
| 7 | 1208 | Nick Fleming | Castle Semple SC | 5 | 7 | 7 | (RET) | DNC | DNC | DNC | 43 |