2007 News

AGM - Tuesday 6th February at Ross Hall Hospital

 

Outgoing Commodore Alan Faichney gave an amusing report of the 2006 season’s events, including the talk by the Clyde Marine Policing Unit following the 2006 AGM, the Art Show and the Spring Muster. The Summer Muster had BBQ chefs in abundance, led by Nick Pace, Tony Adgent on accordion and Catherine Toy as “Dance Mistress”. The Autumn Muster was to Rhu, with a well attended 30th Anniversary Dinner at RNCYC, and the Annual Dinner was once more at the Art Club where Dr Gordon Todd was the guest speaker.

 

The following Committee was selected for 2007:

 

Commodore                       Iain Sinclair

Vice-Commodore                   Douglas Russell

Rear-Commodore                 Tom Barrie         

Hon Treasurer                   Catherine Toy

Hon Secretary                        Robbie Rodger

Sailing Secretary                Tom Hutchinson

Stewards                           Val Glen, Jane Faichney, Nick Pace

Ex-Officio                                Alan Faichney

Iain Sinclair then took the Chair, thanked Alan for his contribution as Commodore, and presented him with a Past-Commodore’s Burgee. Alan then delivered a highly interesting and informative account of the Faichney Family's first sail in their Hallberg-Rassy 46 'Sapphire of Treshnish'; from Monaco to Craobh!

 

Spring Muster – 19th & 20th May

The strong winds promised all week unfortunately materialised, resulting in the initial postponement of the race until midday. However it became clear that the weather was not going to improve and Tom Hutchinson made the difficult but correct decision to cancel the race. However several yachts decided to attempt the sail to Tarbert. Ruaival left the Holy Loch in 10 knot winds. By the time she reached Inverkip the instruments were recording 35 to 40 knots winds but was joined by the Toys in Out of the Blue. Both motor sailed in company to Toward point with Out of the Blue choosing to go via the Kyles and Ruaival via Garroch Head. Unfortunately the winds remained in the region of 35 knots making a wet but exhilarating sail. They were later joined by the Glens and crew in Tulla. Sensibly, Que Chica and Talisman II had sailed to Tarbert the day before avoiding the worst of the conditions.

Nearly 30 of those choosing not to sail braved a 3 hour drive to Tarbert by car. A drinks reception was hosted by Ernest and Norma Bennie on Que Chica before everyone proceeded to the hotel.

The considerable effort to attend was rewarded by an excellent meal – the menu was very good, the food well presented (and hot) with efficient service. All were welcomed by Commodore Iain Sinclair and despite the weather the muster turned out to be very enjoyable, although 30 members then had another 3 hour drive back to Inverkip!

The next day the weather was warm, sunny and only a light wind! Tulla and Out of the Blue took part in the Ladies Race. After an amicable start there was some intense racing with Out of the Blue being the eventual winner. Both then rafted up for lunch in the Kyles before a spinnaker run home.

 

Clyde BBQ – 9th June 2007.

In total contrast to the Spring Muster, with the sun shining and the wind never blowing at more than 10 knots, the Clyde BBQ was held at Swines Hole in Loch Goil. 3 yachts – Out of the Blue, Fraon and Ruaival rafted up together. Stewart and Robbie assumed the traditional male role of barbecuing, ably supported by refreshments, and by our wives and Katie Rodger. A pleasant afternoon was spent with Bryan and Sheila Jennett and Forrester and Alison Cockburn.

Rare use of a bimini in Scotland!

Bryan Jennett and Coby, with Catherine Toy on Ruaival.

 

Summer Muster at Craobh - Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd July

Over 50 members and friends enjoyed a convivial barbeque at Craobh Marina on Saturday, in fine weather which had seemed unlikely only days before. Not only that but, for once, the Argyll midges had gone on strike and were not in evidence! Nick Pace, assisted by George Gray, did the honours by providing a constant supply of tasty food from the barbeque, while Tony Adgent and his friends from the John MacKenzie Scottish Dance Band played a succession of reels, waltzes and airs culminating in a riotous Strip the Willow.

Thanking everyone who had contributed to the success of the event, Commodore Iain Sinclair paid particular thanks to the band and to Craobh Marina for their hospitality, for their generous donation and for giving us the use of the boatshed once again.

Pictures courtesy of Iain & Pamela Sinclair

Top left: Chef du Jour - Nick Pace
 
Above left: Tony Adgent on lead accordian, with friends from the John MacKenzie Scottish Dance Band.
 
Above right: Commodore Iain Sinclair, Catherine Toy and Alan Faichney (right) have a sneak preview of the Sailing Instructions
 
Left: Bobby Corbett eagerly accepts the nomination of photographer for Sunday!
 
Right: Arup Ray and Martyn Webster discuss tactics.
 

Click here for more images from Craobh 2007

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear with a gentle breeze from the North East. Douglas and Margaret Clow on Guilty set the start line and at 11.00 hrs nine boats crossed to start the annual Round Shuna Race. Black Pepper made a good start but was passed by the faster boats before rounding the south end of Shuna. Local knowledge took the Commodore close inshore resulting in a better line in the Sound of Shuna which saw Black Pepper overhaul all but the two leading boats, Charles Sutherland’s Troika and Dugald Glen’s Tulla. The wind remained light, only filling in towards the latter stages. Troika took Line Honours followed by Tulla and Black Pepper. On corrected time the winner was Jane Faichney in her Wanderer Dinghy Jarrek despite having Past Commodore Alan as crew, some say ballast. Second place went to George Hannah’s Eygthene 24 Nemo and third to Iain Sinclair in Black Pepper. The tussle between Stewart Toy’s Out of the Blue and Stephen Pickles’ Tango Too was resolved in Stewart's favour. Iain Morton’s Euroblue didn’t find her form of last year and Martyn Webster’s Shona was probably over-crewed in the light conditions, as Arup Ray’s Bernera was unavailable.

The weekend was enjoyed by all who took part, several members incorporating it in their annual summer cruise, making it one of the most successful events in the Club calendar. Thanks are due to Douglas and Margaret for the committee boat.

On the reach towards the south end of Shuna. From left to right - Nemo, Out of the Blue, Troika (partially obscured), Tulla, Jarrek and Black Pepper. Photo - Bobby Corbett.

 

Autumn Muster – 15th & 16th September

The Autumn Muster took place on 15th September. The fleet raced from Inverkip, via Toward to Rhu. Nick Pace performed the start duties and set the fleet off from his boat ‘NYX’ towards Toward Point. Despite the weather forecast, initial conditions were very light and the Sailing Secretary worried that the shorter course may have been more appropriate. However the breeze freshened as predicted and both the restricted sail class and the spinnaker class enjoyed a brisk sail to Toward. The return leg led to some interesting spinnaker work as witnessed by your Secretary, who happened to be on the Western Ferry to the Holy Loch. ‘Guilty’ managed to squeeze ahead and an unidentified yacht with spinnaker problems went astern of the ferry!! The fleet then proceeded around the ‘sugar boat’ to the finish at Rhu Marina.

As usual the berthing was expertly organised by the staff at Rhu Marina. The crews retired to the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club where many members joined the race crews for supper. Following this event a lot of positive feedback was received. Rhu is rapidly becoming a favourite venue for the Autumn Muster.

On Sunday 16th September the pursuit race saw the fleet attempting to race from Rhu to Inverkip. The wind deserted the fleet around Rosneath Point, the rain began and one by one the fleet motored past the Sailing Secretary who had edged ahead. It was only after all the fleet had motored past November Lady that the skipper was convinced he should retire. Thank goodness the wooden spoon is no longer available.

Results: Autumn Muster - Saturday 15th September 2007

Class 1        
Skipper Boat Handicap Corrected Time Position
T Barrie Thunder 16.25 3h 11m 1
D Clow Guilty 14 3h 14m 2
C Sutherland Troika 12.5 3h 18m 3

 

Class 3        
Skipper Boat Handicap Corrected Time Position
T Hutchinson November Lady 18 3h 30m 1
S Toy Out of the Blue 17.5 3h 40m 2
D Glen Tulla 12.25 3h 43m 3
N McDougall Corsair 16 3h 58m 4

 

Frostbite

The final race of the season on 20th October saw five yachts race around the larger Cumbrae Island in perfect conditions. The Sailing Secretary carried out the start boat duties while continuing to race. The start was the usual SYC event with many skippers crossing the line in a fashion which would put an Americas Cup final to shame. ‘Guilty’ eventually pulled clear of the fleet, however after rounding buoy ‘C’ instead of ‘G’ they had to re-hoist their spinnaker and chase the fleet once again. All yachts finished close together. The race was followed by an excellent reception hosted by Douglas Russell on ‘Second Star’.

Many thanks to the members who provided start boats - without them there would be no races. If you are available next year, either to start or finish a race, please contact the Sailing Secretary.

 

Annual Dinner & Prizegiving - Friday 30th November

The Annual Dinner was held on St Andrew’s Day, once more at the Glasgow Art Club. Commodore Iain Sinclair welcomed members and their guests and introduced guest speaker Sandy Bremner, past Commodore of the Royal Tay Yacht Club, who is well known to many of those based at Craobh. Sandy made a particularly amusing speech, at some times most of

of the time pretty "close to the bone", advising members of some of Iain's traits; such as ensuring that 'Black Pepper' is always neat and tidy. Photographic evidence was produced which suggests this is not always the case. Iain somehow ended up dressed as a pirate, and a jolly good time was had by all. Tom Barrie announced the prize-winners, under close supervision from Pamela Sinclair who presented the trophies.