Typhoon SNECCA Series at Elie & Earlsferry Sailing Club

Twenty seven catamarans travelled from as far afield as Birmingham and Peterhead for the first Typhoon International Scotland and North of England Catamaran Class Association (SNECCA) event of the season.

Competitors arrived to a thick East Coast pea-souper and a mirror-like finish to the sea. Race 1 began as the first zephyrs of wind appeared, but was soon abandoned and competitors were seen rafting onto the leward mark as it raced by in the tide. The wind steadily built through the afternoon to allow three races on short courses in a breeze that did not climb above a force 2. Fierce competition reigned amongst the Hurricanes and within the Hobie fleet, with Line honours in the first going to the Kent Brothers, their first event in a Hurricane. Race 2 was taken by John Pierce on a Stealth, the lead having kindly been relinquished by Martin & Claire Andrews who capsized in the severe Force 2 conditions! Race three by the overall winner, Ed Bissett on a 5.9.

Sunday was a scorcher with a perfect, constant force 4 on flatish seas. Malcolm Craig and Kami Marshall on a Hobie 16 commanded the large Hobie fleet, with a 3rd and 4th. The lead was once again handed away in race 4 by a capsize, this time by Hamish Ramsay & Stuart Buchanan. Race 4 was won by Hollywood Babes James Wood & Graham Clark. The tables were turned for them in the 5th by a disqualification following a minor collision with Ramsay & Buchanan. The race was taken by John Pierce on the Stealth. Throughout the day, the usually competitve D. Harcourt on a Nacra 6.0 could be seen trundling around with jib furled. Why you ask? Perhaps the replacement of his helmsman with his girlfriend; all that was lacking was a gin & tonic.

All in all a well organised weekend by the host club, despite the tricky conditions on Saturday.

Overall Results:

More Information:

• Scotland and North of England Cat Class Association