Tarbert was wet and cold for two of this popular four day regatta, however the race committee managed to get in six races over the three days of racing. Sadly the wind gods didn’t want the crews to play Monday with too much wind at times to little at others and some perfect racing breezes to suit at others. The coastal race lived up to expectations providing champagne sailing on the downwind legs!
Following on from their overall win at Cork Week last year, the modified Beneteau First Class 8 “FnGr8” was back in action at the Scottish Series, winning IRC 4. With her new wardrobe of Hyde sails for the 2019 season that included a mainsail and headsail in Carbon Sport LiteSkin laminates and various kites in Airex 600 & 650. The generally young crew lifted the Causeway Cup awarded to the boat normally based outside of Scotland which in the opinion of the Race Committee gives the best performance of all the boats in the Series (other than the winner of the SCOTTISH SERIES TROPHY). More Importantly the McIver Salver (owned by the Mudhook Yacht Club) for the winner of the IRC SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP was also won.
There were many other Hyde sails customers across the fleets, including many from Ireland. Connor McGaughy got third in class on his new to him Eygthene 24 with 2019 Sails fore and aft. A special mention to John Minnis and his team tying for third place in this class on his Beneteau 31.7 but fell to fourth on countback, but for also delivering the Irish Hyde Sail distributor home overnight, during which a great Craic was had by all … On that note, thank must also go for the passage across on Wednesday evening to Keith Salters on his HANSE 505.
The Irish crews are now look forward to the IRCA’s in Dunlaoghaire in a couple of weeks’ time.
Chic & Nicky Medley, Hyde Sails distributors for Scotland were also in attendance racing their J92S ‘Jota’, equipped with Hyde Carbon Sport LiteSkin main, brand new Hyde membrane film/film jib, and three Hyde kites. After a slow start due to crew shortage on Friday, the results were looking much healthier on Saturday and Sunday until their backstay broke in a rogue gust during Sunday’s coastal race, leaving the disappointed crew with a mast in three pieces. Also in IRC 3 rival J92 ‘Jammin’ was racing with a full suit of Carbon Sport Hydes, and another Scottish boat in CCYA 5, Elan 31 ‘Celerity’ had luckily just taken delivery of a radial-cut #3 jib, allowing them to continue sailing in the worst of the notoriously fickle Tarbert weather.
For those looking for new sails, please contact;
Ireland – Mike Ennis, 07967 111 518
Scotland – Chic & Nicky, 07974 074 493
Elsewhere – Wooderz, 07764 933 894