The 2024 JURA Scottish Series, hosted by the Clyde Cruising Club, brought excitement and innovation back to Loch Fyne. Over four days, 13 competitors battled fiercely in nine races in IRC1 incorporating the RC35 Class, all displaying exceptional skill and strategy.
Friday’s opener faced frustratingly light winds, causing the first race to be abandoned as many struggled to reach the starting line. The sole race of the day eventually started at 2 pm, with John Stanley-White on Blue Jay securing both line honours and a handicap win, narrowly beating the Irish boat Something Else from Dun Laoghaire.
A Scottish Series start for 13 competitors in IRC1 incorporating the RC35 Class Photo: Marc Turner
Saturday brought perfect conditions with steady breezes and clear skies. The race officer positioned the top mark next to a striking Norwegian fishing vessel and the short spreader mark demanded quick crew work in order to get a clean kite hoist and was especially challenging for those coming in from the left and executing a deft hand break turn.
John Stamp's Jacob VII racing in the Jura Scottish Series 2024 on the Clyde Photo: Marc Turner
The day’s four races were thrilling, with Ben Shelley on Mocking-Jay dominating the second race. John Stamp on Jacob VII claimed victory in the third race, with Jings in second place. Mocking-Jay made a strategic move upwind of a tanker to gain ground in the fourth race, while Jacob VII won the fifth race after a fierce duel with Mocking-Jay.
Jura Scottish Series 2024 RC35 Class Winner Mocking-J skippered by Ben Shelley Photo: Marc Turner
Sunday’s 20 knots of wind, rain, and clouds tested the fleet. The day began with a short race followed by a gruelling race around Inchmarnock. Competitors faced a long fetch to the island and then struggled to hold kites to the mark. The course was shortened at Skate Island due to adverse weather, leaving many cold and wet. Tragically, Jacob VII hit the rocks and retired, while Blue Jay claimed another handicap win, with Jings second. Thankfully, there was no serious damage to Jacob VII, and she would be racing again on Monday.
Robin Young's J109 Jings on day three of the Jura Scottish Series 2024 on the Clyde Photo: Marc Turner
By Monday, it was Mocking-Jay's series to lose. The final race saw all but Jings opting for the left side of the course. Jings ventured right, benefiting from an early breeze and leading near to the top mark. However, Mocking-Jay exploited a small puff of breeze, executing two perfect tacks to round the windward mark ahead of Jings. Both boats hoisted their kites and surged ahead.
In the end, Mocking-Jay secured the series victory with their a good strategy and consistent pace. Despite Jacob VII winning the final race, it wasn't enough to overtake Mocking-Jay in the standings.
