Gareloch Centenary Regatta

28th to 30th June, a celebratory weekend.  The Garelochs are 100 years old.  Friday was a centenary event for previous owners and friends of the class.  There was racing in the afternoon but strong wind discouraged many.  Five boats raced with Michael Henderson, who had last none of his touch, a clear winner.  The wind was off the Clynder shore which led to large changes of strength and direction.  A characteristic which continued over the weekend, happily without the fierce gusts.  For the first race of the championship on Saturday, Race Officer Jean Mackay aboard Reay’s Diatas Air sent us on a beat across the loch.  Circe started supremely well.  Half way across the loch, her sail number could no longer be read.  Iris not far behind.  Both found adverse air above the mark and let in Arke, Dione and Catriona.  This was a pattern which continued.  To win needed luck with the wind as well as skill.  Iris and Circe took the next two races.  Catriona had the required luck in the fourth until the race was abandoned on account of a submarine leaving the loch.  At Carol Rowe’s magnificent (and well attended) barbecue on the Saturday evening, we contemplated our chances.  Arke, Iris, Catriona and Dione were in that order with one point between each.Wind had veered by Sunday morning so that the course was up  and down the Shandon shore.  After a brief wait for wind, the pin end bias of the starting line led to two general recalls.  For the third start, flag U was used at the preparatory signal.  Any boat over early would be disqualified.  In spite of the more northerly elements of the wind, there were still some areas of loch much better than others.  Dione showed consistency with two first places.  The other contenders did not.  Zoe was next best placed in these two races.A superb win for Dione.  The first time she has appeared on the trophy.  Next were Catriona, Arke and Iris equal on points.   The tie for second place was broken in favour of Iris