Bad weather did not dampen the spirits at the annual Plockton regatta
PLOCKTON Small Boat Sailing Club held its annual open day on Saturday July 22 in lovely sunshine. After the event a race was held in aid of the RNLI with the winner getting an RNLI Pennant. Seven boats raced and the winner was 15-year- old Calum Reid, in White Waters - a Laser Radial. Second was Neil MacRae in Rona.
The annual regatta fortnight began on Monday July 24 in glorious sunshine with 16 boats taking part, 10 local and six centreboards.
The first race for the Plockton Trophy saw first place go to Neil MacRae (Rona) 2nd Alexander Mackenzie (Seaforth) 3rd Ian Hay (Seolta).
The first race for the Ulluva Cup (centreboards) saw first place go to James Smith (Inominate) from Hexham, 2nd Calum Reid (White Waters) 3rd Ian Taylor (Bata Gorm).
The fortnight continued on Tuesday with the Douglas Mackenzie Challenge Cuaich for local boats.
First place Alexander Mackenzie (Seaforth) The Cuach was presented to the club in memory of his father. Second was Ian Hay (Seolta) and third Joy MacKenna (Sea Ranger)
Also held was the 1st race for the Pelly Cup (centreboards): 1st James Smith 2nd Calum Reid 3rd Peter Smith (Tokloshe)
In the evening there were three starters for the ladies Melora Cup for local boats: 1st Imogen Smith (Coruisk) from Sheffield winning by four seconds from 2nd Morag Amos (Eala Bhan).
On Wednesday afternoon, in very windy conditions only five local boats started for the Consett Championship Cup (no handicaps) and the Alistair Mackenzie Memorial cup (handicaps). Four retired due to the conditions but Ian Hay (Seolta) stopped and put in a reef, sailing on on his own to win the two cups.
Ian started winning cups in 1975 and these two cups were his 100th and 101st trophies to date, 39 ahead of the next sailor.
In the centreboard race in the second Sir Kenneth Pelly Cup, seven started but only three finished. First was Calum Reid (White Waters), 2nd Peter Smith (Tokoloshie) from Tain and 3rd Michael Hay (Die Forelle).
The boys and girls races in the evening were postponed owing to adverse weather.
On Thursday morning two raced in the first Fossil Trophy race for under-16s. Calum Reid won with Robbie Baird coming in second.
On Thursday evening in very strong winds only five local boats raced in the second Plockton Trophy race. Four boats reefed but Neil MacRae (Rona) decided not to and won the race. Second was Ian Hay (Seolta), and 3rd Douglas Hamilton (Ajax).
It was also the second Ulluva Cup for centrboards of which there were six races: 1st Calum Reid 2nd James Smith 3rd Michael Hay
On Friday morning three sailed in the second Fossil Trophyrace: 1st calum Reid 2nd Robbie Baird 3rd Calum Reeves.
On Friday afternoon eight centreboards sailed in the third and final race for the Pelly Cup: 1st Donald Gillies (Too Do Loo) 2nd Peter Smith (Tokoloshie) 3rd James Smith (Inominate)
Sailing
As a result of the third races the winner of the Pelly Cup was Peter with seven points – Peter first won this cup 50 years ago. Second was Calum Reid with 13 points and 3rd Michael Hay.
All races in the evening were cancelled due to the very strong winds.
On Saturday the yacht race had only four starters due to the conditions and all small boat races were cancelled.
First was Cameron Still (Roxanne) from Portree, 2nd Ian and David Hay (Bragar) in Plockton 3rd Dave Mcghie (Isabel) in Plockton.
Charlie MacRae said: ‘So a week that started with two lovely days deteriorated after Tuesday with cool, wet and windy conditions.
‘Commodore Robin Smith held his Commodore’s party in the club boatshed on Saturday evening. An interesting item at the party was when Rod MacLeod, who has two local boats, decided to give one (The Coruisk) to David Hay in return for a bottle of Talisker whisky.’