Albacore Open at Strathclyde Loch Sailing Club

A small but competitive fleet of Albacores competed in the first Scottish Albacore traveller of the year at Strathclyde Loch on 9th May. The morning dawned bright but with little breeze, conditions that continued throughout the day.

In the first race David and Nick Hammond arrived at the windward mark first, and after some jostling with Crawford Reid and Izzy Martin they sailed into a comfortable lead that they held to the finish. The fight for second place began between Reid and Dick Downie and Linda McMullan. This was decided in favour of Reid with Downie third and Derek and Katie Gibbon fourth.

In the second race, which was held in the best breeze of the day, proceedings were much closer to begin with. The lead changed several times between Reid, Downie and Hammond on the first lap. At the finish the race was decided in the same order as the first, with Hammond again streching out a good lead.

The final race was held in bright sunshine but a very fickle breeze. Hammond again emerged victorious but behind there was much place changing, particularly on the long downwind leg. Gibbon eventually overhauled Downie to claim second, with Downie third and Reid fourth.

An excellent days sailing was enjoyed by all and thanks must go to the race officer and his team as well as generous sponsors Tunnocks of Glasgow.

Overall Results: