Sonar Championships 2011
Photographs by Alistair Reid from the Europeans have now been added to the Galleries page
Nineteen teams entered the 2011 Sonar European and World Championships, sponsored by Argyll & Bute Council, Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd, DRB Marine, Gordon & Macphail Benromach Distillery, Hyde Sails and Wallaces Express. Thanks also to Rhu Marina for assisting with essential support services of hoisting and berthing.
After many months of planning and polishing of boats, the start of the 2011 Sonar Open European Championships was upon us. Crews came from various parts of the USA, England, Ireland and, of course, our local Scottish sailors. Among the competitors were the designer of the Sonar Bruce Kirby, UK para Olympic sailor John Robertson and disabled sailors Kerry Gruson from the USA, John Twomey from Ireland and Andy Cassell from the south of England.
Principal Race Officer David Witton and his race management team were based on Glenafton, with owner Brian Young and on Anncara, with owner Carson Somers, ably suppored by ribs provided by HMS Neptune and Club members.
Light winds earlier on the first day meant that the practice race was postponed and so shortened to allow two more races to be run with a good steady breeze. At the end of the first day Skip Shumway (USA) had won both races, with Steve Shepstone (USA), second in one and local sailor Callum Macdonald second in the other.
Saturday dawned with good winds and racing started on time. Once again Skip won one race, with Simon Barter (UK) and Bruce Kirby (USA) winning the other two. A hot buffet supper was held at the Club that evening enabling competitors, helpers and other Club members to catch up with friends old and new.
Sunday saw very light winds and the boats remained in the marina until it was felt that a course could be set up. Two races were run with Bruce Kirby and Simon Barter winning one each. The prize giving was held at the clubhouse with top prize and overall winner going to Skip Shumway in For Sail. Simon Barter in Bertie was the first European and Callum Macdonald in Carpe Diem took the prize for highest placed Classic Sonar. In addition, the racing on Saturday and Sunday counted towards the Sonar UK Nationals which were won by Simon Barter.
All agreed it had been an excellent Championship both on and off the water.
The Worlds started on the 24th and finished on Saturday 27th with 9 races scheduled. A varied social programme was organised throughout the Championships and culminated with a traditional Northern buffet supper after the prize giving on the 27th.