The word of the weekend was “windy” as the seven competitors arrived at the Holy Loch to participate in the 2024 RC35 Championships. With the wind coming out of the west and funnelling over the hill and straight down the Loch, the competitors had plenty to keep them busy over the six-race contest.
A windward leeward course was set east to west up the Loch by Race Officer Bill Aitchison and his race committee whilst the fleet were left to decide how much canvas they could brave in the 15-30 knot breeze.
Racing got started on time on Saturday morning with John Stamp and Jacob getting past Jings on the 2nd lap to claim line honours but slipping into fourth overall on handicap with the J109’s coming out on top and Jings claiming a win with Scottish Series Winner’s Mocking-J coming in second.
Scottish Series Winner Mocking-J in winning mode at the Holy Loch Sailing Club hosted 2024 RC35 Championships Photo: Ian Hurrel
Race two followed shortly after with a fierce battle of the Corby’s up the beat, unfortunately ending in retirement for Banshee after their jib tack parted company from the foredeck, causing damage to the tuff luff. Line honours again to Jacob, with Mocking Jay back on form to take the win.
John Stamp's Jacob competing at the Holy Loch Sailing Club hosted 2024 RC35 Championships Photo: Ian Hurrel
The third and final race of the day was set for three laps - much to the joy of the trimmers who were loving the tacking practice from the narrow course and shifting breeze! Another close start from this almost one design class saw Jacob, as the only non-J109 remaining, at last stretching their lead far enough to secure both line honours and first place ahead of Jings.
After a great day of big breeze racing the fleet headed in to enjoy the great hospitality from the Holy Loch Sailing Club and swap tales of broaching and breaking stuff.
J109 Jings competing at the Holy Loch Sailing Club hosted 2024 RC35 Championships Photo: Ian Hurrel
Day two brought slightly more clement conditions with most boats digging out their whompers to keep things interesting. Three more races and with two line honours and three overall wins meant Mocking-J retained their RC35 Scottish Championships and took home the Sword. John Stamp and the crew of Jacob also kept up their great performance securing second place overall with Jings coming in third (and once again writing this article!).
A special mention must be given to Blue Jay who reacted speedily and showed great seamanship to safely recover a crew over board, perhaps a good reminder to all boats to practice this manoeuvre each season. Huge thanks from the whole fleet to Bill Aitchison and his race committee for setting a great course in the Loch and to the Holy Loch Sailing Club and all the volunteers for their fantastic hospitality over three days, fair to say a lot of fun was had both off and on shore.
