Hansa Scottish Traveller Series at Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken
by Moira Campbell 25 Jul 2019 18:17 BST
14 July 2019
Loch Ken like a mirror for the Hansa Traveller Series at Galloway © Gillian Campbell
A brilliant, sunny day with light winds greeted five competitors. After a briefing from Richard Hermon, the boats launched onto Loch Ken. There were three 303 one person and two 2.3 Hansas.
The light wind gradually died and left the fleet floating on a perfect mirrored loch. Mike Everitt, Frensham Pond, played the small gusts gaining first. Local lady, Jessica Campbell, used all her skill to achieve second place and Rory McKinna came third. John Hepburn in a 2.3 actually caught the 303 boats and nearly overtook one! Sasha Piper [9 years old] came second in the 2.3 class.
The Race Officer wisely brought everyone in for an early lunch and everyone was given the choice of abandoning the event due to lack of wind straight away or having lunch and then deciding. All the adults decided to have lunch whilst Sasha had to go home early due to parental work commitments.
Well Loch Ken proved testing because at decision time the wind came in and all the 303s voted to race. John decided enough was enough and retired with an injured shoulder.
So the last three races proceeded. Rory roared home first in all three. Mike achieved two seconds and a third leaving Jessica with two thirds and a second.
Everyone received a medal from Galloway. Rory won a new pair of sailing gloves. Mike won a Scottish Buff which he has to wear for the rest of the racing events! Jessica won a voucher to spend at the Lochside Café.
Hansa 303 One person Class:
1st Rory McKinna, Clyde Cruising Club
2nd Mike Everitt, Frensham Pond
3rd Jessica Campbell, Southwest Scotland Sailability
Hansa 2.3 Class:
1st John Hepburn, Southwest Scotland Sailability
2nd Sasha Piper, Southwest Scotland Sailability