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Soling National Championship 2023 at Lochaber Yacht Club

by Karen Dean 17 Sep 2023 17:30 BST 9-10 September 2023

This year's Soling Nationals were hosted by Lochaber Yacht Club There were a total of seven boats who took part with crews from Lochaber, England, Ireland and France.

The opening day of sailing brought a steady SW breeze of 18 knots and warm sunshine giving close racing. The crafty local ancient mariner and tide expert, Hamish Loudon, managed to win all five races on the day with his crew Vince Dean and Victoria Kimber in Solaris. The race officer kept to the windward/leeward course in order to complete the series in view of the very light wind forecast for the next day. After a tiring day of racing the sailors retired to the clubhouse for an excellent supper catered for by Robert Coull and his team from An Cafaidh Mara, Corpach Marina.

GBR161, champions Hamish Loudon, Victoria Kimber, Vince Dean during the Soling Nationals at Lochaber - photo © James Douglas
GBR161, champions Hamish Loudon, Victoria Kimber, Vince Dean during the Soling Nationals at Lochaber - photo © James Douglas

Sunday produced a bit more than the forecast light winds, with 8knots from the SW. This allowed the Irish family crew, IRL 2, to play their trump card and take the winning gun on the first race. But it was local sailor Keith Falconer, GBR 157 who finally found his fast trim and secured first in the final two races with his crew Karen Dean and Campbell Low. However, Solaris GBR 161, did enough to retain the overall lead and the 2023 championship to bring it back to Lochaber for a second time.

If anyone is interested in learning to sail on the west coast of Scotland, or has experience and would like to take up the sport again, get in touch through our website at www.lochaber-yacht-club.co.uk

All competitors, race officers and safety boat crews during the Soling Nationals at Lochaber - photo © James Douglas
All competitors, race officers and safety boat crews during the Soling Nationals at Lochaber - photo © James Douglas

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