This was scheduled for August 15th but due to the Swine Flu scare, we had to move the Regatta to that weekend instead.  As everyone had a weekend ‘Sailing Pass’ anyway, we agreed to hold the Burnt Islands Race on the Saturday of the cancelled Regatta.  Good move, as it turned out, and everyone had a great day’s racing through the Kyles and Back.  Would have been a fantastic weekend for the Regatta!!!  First place went to Al Finlay’s Moody 336 Saorsa, followed by Forbes Pearson’s J80 Jemima, Mike Sarah and Andrew Benson doing well to come third in the Sadler 32 Sandpiper in spite of the gusty conditions, well ahead of Rod Cairns’ Moody 31 Avanti Mhor.  Afterwards, the boats were joined by a couple of visitors from Bute and Troon and a convivial afternoon ensued.

Summer has arrived at last, bringing some fabulous sailing weather.  So for this season we’ve only had a couple of races cancelled due to the wind and a great cruising weekend to Tarbert.  Again.  But it’s such fun!  Where else can you get a smashing sail through the famous Kyles of Bute to a sheltered harbour with new pontoons and a great choice of eating and drinking  places all set amid stunning scenery, all a mere four hours’ sail from home?  Bliss.

REGATTA POSTPONED UNTIL 15TH/16TH AUGUST.  BLAME THE MEDIA HYPE OVER SWINE FLU. And the Social Convener actually getting Swine Flu.  Some folk will do anything to get out of running the Regatta!!

Regatta Entry Form [PDF document should open automatically - if not click here to get Reader].

After weeks of putting up with the smell of various solvent-based products and last-minute trips to the chandler’s, the day finally arrived when the Toward keel boats took to the water. The weather was clement and everything went (more or less) smoothly, much to the relief of those who watched as their boats were dangled from the crane.

Thanks are once again due to those who gave up their time to help, and to G.D. Young of Ardyne Farm and Stewart’s Garage for lending towing vehicles.

The fun continued on Monday evening when Arthur Black of the RNLI gave a talk on the use and maintenance of lifejackets, followed by a flare demonstration by Robin Wither.  This was well received and everyone who wanted to try was given a shot at firing a flare.  The parachute flare in particular gave rise to a  mass squeal from the assembled girlies as it erupted noisily into the sky.  It was a great opportunity to try something which everyone hoped they would never have to do at sea and the Club is indebted to Robin and the RNLI for giving us the chance to see how effective these pyrotechnics are.

The next event on the social/sailing calendar is the Annual Picnic, for which we usually cruise down to Kerrycroy Bay on Bute.  This year, we will also be meeting members of Isle of Bute Sailing Club.  It’s all happening on SUNDAY 21st JUNE.  See notice in Clubhouse for details.