Strathclyde Police Recreation Association Sailing Section
 
ANNUAL OFFSHORE SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS
&
NORTH BRITISH POLICE & INVITATION SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDAY, 8th JUNE TO FRIDAY, 13th JUNE, 2008

Results only supplied...

NORTH BRITISH AND STRATHCLYDE POLICE SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS
TROPHY WINNERS 2008

OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP (SHIELD)
1. CONTESSA ROYAL. KENNY MILLAR. STRATHCLYDE
2. QUAY WEST. STEVIE ANDREWS. PSNI
3. SALAMANDER. BOB STONE. STRATHCLYDE

STRATHCLYDE CHAMPIONSHIP (ROSEBOWL)
1. CONTESSA ROYAL. KENNY MILLAR. STRATHCLYDE
2. SALAMANDER. BOB STONE. STRATHCLYDE
3. CORRA LINN. COLIN GILMER. STRATHCLYDE

TROON RACE (PORT HOLE)
1. CONTESSA ROYAL. KENNYMILLAR. STRATHCLYDE
2. SALAMANDER. JOHN CORSON. STRATHCLYDE
3. SALAMANDER. BOB STONE. STRATHCLYDE

TARBERT RACE (ANCHOR HOTEL TROPHY)
1. CONTESSA ROYAL. KENNY MILLAR. STRATHCLYDE
2. QUAY WEST. STEVIE ANDREWS. PSNI
3. NORTH STAR. PETER POPE. SOUTH WALES

BEST PSNI (DONALD GALBRAITH TROPHY)
1. QUAY WEST. STEVIE ANDREWS. PSNI.

BEST NON GAELIC (LYNSEY GILMER TROPHY)
1. DIPPER. MICK CAUKWELL. NORTH YORKSHIRE

INVITATATION (INVITATION PLATE)
1. SCORCHER 1V. GRAHAM BISSET. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.

BEST HOSPITALITY (HOSPITALITY PLATE)
1. MEERCAT. GARTH HENDRY. PSNI

Further details from this year's organiser:
Colin Gilmer:
colingilmer@btinternet.com

Strathclyde Police Recreation Association Sailing Section
 
ANNUAL OFFSHORE SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS
&
NORTH BRITISH POLICE & INVITATION SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDAY 10 JUNE TO FRIDAY 15 JUNE, 2007

 
North British and Strathclyde Police Offshore
Sailing Championship 2007.

This year’s event was again held within the Clyde and surrounding areas with the yachts gathering at Troon Marina on Sunday, 15 June, 2007.

A total of 18 yachts attended for the racing or cruising in company as suits the individual crews, totalling 100 persons. This was an all-time record attendance for the event. This year saw the first attendance of a crew from Cheshire Constabulary and the welcome return after an absence of the crews from Lothian and Borders Police and North Yorkshire Police.

The committee boat was again provided by Arthur Munn and his fellows aboard Niago, a Moody 30 (AKA the Grumps)

Race 1
This was meant to start outside Troon Harbour at 10.00 hrs. The sun was bright and very warm and not a breath of wind moved the air, so off we all motored towards Cumbrae in search of wind. On arrival there was a slight breeze but as the yachts gathered, it fled into the distance. After two further attempts to start, the race was abandoned with all the yachts motoring to Holy Loch marina for the night.

Despite no race the day was much enjoyed by all due to the superb weather and the opportunity to gain a sun tan as well as the very beautiful scenery to be enjoyed.

At 1900 a 'welcome' event and buffet was provided for the entrants at Holy Loch Sailing Club with the venue being close to capacity. After the welcome, given by Colin Gilmer the event organiser, the buffet was consumed with Gusto. A very sociable night was the result. Strangely, no sing-song this year, but a lot of lively and friendly conversation with all the crews mixing with each other. After midnight, the event moved down to the yachts with an unbelievable amount of persons being aboard Moonrise, a Beneteau 500 chartered by Lothian and Borders. Yes, and there was a sing-song.

Race 1 restart...
After a briefing on the pontoons, Race 2 was started outside the marina at 1100 hrs, in dull conditions but force 3 winds - around the cans in the Clyde returning into the Holy Loch for a finish. During the race some of the yachts opted to head for the incorrect mark resulting in the Cheshire crew asking via VHF where were they going (well it's that type of event). This gave these crews a slight clue. Some altered course and others believed they were right. However North Star, the Welsh boat lead from the start with good boat speed followed by Xcalibur across the line. Results below.

Race 2
After the yachts gathered on completion of the first race, a second race was started about 1400 on a slightly longer course as the wind had became slightly stronger.

The yachts set off around the cans again all with good boat speed and again North Star being the lead boat followed by the rest. North Star crossed the line first followed by Road Runner. Very close racing followed a short distance behind between Contessa Royal, Xcalibur and Sequoia with them crossing the line in that order.
More close racing followed behind with everybody finding someone close by to have a race with on a close basis. Results below.

After race 2 the yachts returned to Holy Loch Marina for a free evening with the option of being able to attend an invitation to the nearby Bowling club for a game of bowls. Then the weather turned very wet making this unpractical. However a healthy number turned up at the Bowling Club to take advantage of the hospitality and a very pleasant evening was had by all despite the rain. Good bar prices and a free pie are all that is needed.
Strangely no sing-song again - everybody was too busy in deep conversation again with the assembled company circulating around the various teams.

RACE 3.
Wednesday morning dawned grey and dull but no rain and good breeze for the race to Rothesay.

After a briefing on the pontoons the start was held at 1100 hrs in the loch, and then the yachts headed around the cans en route to Rothesay. Again North Star pulled away from the fleet followed by Road Runner again very close racing was held between Sequoia, Xcalibur and Contessa Royal on the way down to the Skelmorlie buoy at which all were carrying spinnakers and the wind decided to gust very strong, just at the point where you want to gybe. Both Sequioa and Xcalibur gybed allowing them to speed off towards Rothesay. Contessa Royal had difficulty and dropped their kite. The yachts finished in that order across the line.

The following yachts also enjoyed good breeze and close racing with their close counterparts.

All the yachts were berthed at Rothesay for the night. However, during the late evening and night the winds got up and gave the crews a very rough night on the exposed pontoon. Some left for moorings, some to the inner harbour and some just sat it out.

RACE 4
The Thursday morning dawned very windy with rough seas. After much thought and apparently worsening conditions it was decided to abandon the race and that yachts wishing to do so should make their way to Tarbert for the dinner and prize giving..

All the yachts except two and the committee boat did so and enjoyed a very lively but very satisfying sail to Tarbert with great boat speed, making it a very quick trip.

Further details from this year's organiser:
Colin Gilmer:
colingilmer@btinternet.com

Strathclyde Police Recreation Association Sailing Section
 
ANNUAL OFFSHORE SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS
&
NORTH BRITISH POLICE & INVITATION SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP

MONDAY 12 JUNE TO FRIDAY 16 JUNE, 2006

 
12 yachts competed with 4 sailing across from Strangford Loch in Northern Ireland crewed by members present and retired from the PSNI, 2 yachts from Lancashire Constabulary, who sailed up from Fleetwood - one with an all-girl crew apart from the skipper Eric Lange (TE Lauth). 1 from South Wales; the crew chartered the yacht from Largs, as well as 5 local crews from Strathclyde. A total of 55 persons took part with each yacht having between 7 and 3 persons on board.

The event started off with its usual fun en route to Troon from upper Clyde. The Strathclyde yachts had to beat against a force 5 wind; a trip of some 7 to 9 hours depending on how fast your yacht is.

Monday 12th June, Troon to Kip. Start delayed until 1035 due to ferry traffic. A dismal day cleared to a sunny day with the boats all nearly making the start except Final Fling (See item below for that story...). The race went well with all boats heading off round the outside of Little Cumbrie before going through the gap past Millport into the Largs channel. The faster boats made it to the finish-line off Kip without too much trouble. However, the following yachts got caught with winds that filled in and were blowing up to 44 knots (bloody windy) with Salamander, Excalibur, Te Lauth all suffering minor damage and mishap. Riot broke her boom from the mast and had to retire.

All other yachts completed the race some had to carry out repairs for the next day.

Tuesday 13th, Kip to Holy Loch. Start delayed due to repairs and parts needed. 1100 saw a good clean start with all the yachts winding there way around various marker buoys in the Clyde! without incident. The race finished inside the Holy Loch with the last boat to finish at 1626.

The crews all headed to the Holy Loch marina for the night. A reception was held at Holy Loch Sailing Club for the crews with a buffet, piper and a good sing-along. The night was a great success with the company, food, entertainment, weather and scenery all making it just perfect. A Late Night.

Wednesday 14th, Holy Loch to Rothesay. Start 1110, all yachts off to a good start with the more novice crew members finding their feet and the faster yachts quickly broke away heading out of the loch into the Clyde, down past Dunoon before finding no wind and coming to a halt whilst the slower yachts caught up. The faster yachts then found some wind and slowly made off only to be caught again off Toward before making their way very slowly to the finish. A test for light wind sailing ability and endurance under a hot sun. All yachts finished by 1830, to be capped by a night in Rothesay.

Thursday 15th, Rothesay to Tarbert. Start 1330. No wind and we waited for it before motoring to Kames where wind was found and the race started. Good wind to start with, which became variable and a few duels developed with Bob Stones Salamander causing a slight block on the start line to the advancing Sequoia and Excalibur who were engaged in a port and starboard tack duel for the start. Collisions avoided but these yachts had to re-cross the line to start again putting them down the field.

The yachts then tacked back and forward out of the West Kyle before turning for Tarbert and finding light winds which made the rest of the race a challenge for the skippers' light wind tactics. All yacht finished by 1751. On arrival at the pontoons we were assailed by the new over- zealous assistant harbour master for our fees despite the fact we weren't even tied up or even on the pontoon.

Later that night a prize giving dinner was held within the Anchor Hotel in Tarbert, Loch Fyne attended by all the crews. There was much praise of the event and all have stated their intention to return next year.
 

At 10am on Monday 12th June, whilst at the beautiful Troon Marina, the good yacht `Final Fling` overheard a message on channel 16, from the very worried sounding skipper of yacht `Aella` who was en-route to Troon when his engine lost drive. The boat was floundering in the fairway with the Seacat about to depart, a call was made to Clyde Coast Guard and Troon Marina requesting assistance, this call was at 10.10am.

The yacht continued to be monitored by the C.G. but the Troon workboat didn't show, due to a misunderstanding. The very elderly crew became worried and were about to be washed up onto the shoreline - albeit at a steady speed due to the perfect, calm conditions.

I called up the Clyde C.G. and offered assistance at 10.20am. I was thanked and requested by the C.G. to make to the boat outside the marina entrance, once there, I rafted alongside and towed the vessel from the very shallow waters and back to the safety of the marina and eventually I handed the `Aella` to the work boat.

This was all under the watchful eye of the Troon Lifeboat Station !

The end result was a very grateful couple aboard `Aella` and `Final Fling` missing the start of the first race, but it was a good feeling helping another boat out in a time of minor crisis.

Steve Martell, Andy Walker and Chris Rothwell
" FINAL FLING" Westerly Oceanquest AC 35

 

Strathclyde Police Recreation Association Sailing Section
 
Annual Offshore Championships,
North British Police & Invitation Championships
14 - 18 June, 2004

A running start at the SPRA Offshore Regatta

This event goes from strength to strength, and is growing in popularity. There were 17 crews this year, who mustered at Kip marina, Inverkip. The crews were transported to the nearby Police club for a hot buffet and Skippers briefing. During the evening there was a quiz based on the origin of various nautical terms. The deciding factor as to the winner was deemed to be the answer to the question "Name the origin of the term Crows Nest", which was said to be "home of Mr & Mrs Crow". This most original answer caused the team from South Wales, first time at this event, to win this particular award. Newcomers also included more PSNI teams, a crew from Dorset and another team from Lancashire. Due to circumstances beyond their control the following teams had to pull out at the last minute - Lothian and Borders, GMP and Durham, and they were all sadly missed.

First day's racing on the Monday, with Martin Papworth, Deputy Chief Constable Strathclyde Police starting the yachts off, saw the fast fleet rounding various marks in great conditions in the upper Clyde area, and the slower boats making straight for the finish off Helensburgh. Thereafter the fleet were escorted to the nearby Submarine Base at Faslane. A night of social interaction - a recurring theme of this event - with Tenpin Bowling chucked in too, made for a brilliant evening.

Tuesday saw the fleet race to Holy Loch, in "exciting" (as one skipper put it) wind and wave conditions, with a major Joint Naval Exercise ongoing. Many of the fleet were surprised to see a Submarine surface next to them just after the start. One particular crew were surprised to find that the Ferro-crete committee boat was a lot stronger than his metal toe rail, as he (too) closely inspected the hull on the committee boat on the start line. Due to the strong winds the Race Committee reluctantly cancelled the 5 Pint Challenge. This is similar to the 3 peaks races, but instead of running up and down hills, a member of the crew is dropped off, rows ashore to a pub, consumes (at least!!) one pint of any alcoholic drink, goes back to the yacht and sail to the next Pub to repeat the whole process again.

View astern from the Lancashire yacht "Options"

Wednesday the fleet raced to Rothesay in variable conditions, and on Thursday the fleet raced to Troon via Brodick Bay on Arran and the Cumbraes.

Line Honours in every race went to their First Class Europe "Pagan" from South Wales who raced brilliantly well and enjoyed themselves immensely.

The race committee, and the competitors would like to record their thanks to everyone at Faslane Naval Base, Greenock Police Social Club & Kip Marina who helped ensure the success of the event.

A.B.

 Race Details

 

Race One		Start Time	Finish Time	Elapsed	Corrected	Race position	Points
S.WALES	Pagan Force	11:40:00	14:23:45	2:43:45	2:15:45	1	0.75
PSNI	Sequoia	11:40:00	14:45:35	3:05:35	2:19:11	2	2
PSNI	Euforia	11:40:00	15:21:25	3:41:25	2:29:27	3	3
S'CLYDE	Salamander	11:40:00	15:16:30	3:36:30	2:29:49	4	4
LANCS	Options	11:40:00	14:53:50	3:13:50	2:32:10	5	5
S'CLYDE	First Encounter	11:40:00	15:15:25	3:35:25	2:32:31	6	6
INV.	Speedwell	11:40:00	15:19:30	3:39:30	2:39:08	7	7
PSNI	Brizo	11:40:00	15:20:45	3:40:45	2:40:56	8	8
DORSET	Sunsail 4	11:40:00	15:10:30	3:30:30	2:42:18	9	9
S'CLYDE	Excalibur	11:40:00	15:15:35	3:35:35	2:47:56	10	10
LANCS	Sunsail 8	11:40:00	15:22:15	3:42:15	2:51:21	11	11
PSNI	Aurora	11:40:00	11:40:00	0:00:00	0:00:00	rtd	13
PSNI	Alchemist	11:40:00	13:16:50	1:36:50	1:00:31	1	0.75
PSNI	Cirrus	11:40:00	13:18:30	1:38:30	1:00:46	2	2
CIVIL SERV.	Foxfire	11:40:00	13:26:30	1:46:30	1:03:28	3	3
S'CLYDE	Moriah	11:40:00	13:35:00	1:55:00	1:15:40	4	4
Race Two		Start Time	Finish Time	Elapsed	Corrected	Race position	Points
PSNI	Sequoia	12:25:00	14:36:45	2:11:45	1:38:49	1	2.75
S.WALES	Pagan Force	12:25:00	14:25:05	2:00:05	1:39:33	2	2
LANCS	Options	12:25:00	14:45:10	2:20:10	1:50:02	3	8
LANCS	Sunsail 8	12:25:00	14:47:48	2:22:48	1:50:06	4	15
PSNI	Euforia	12:25:00	15:13:50	2:48:50	1:53:58	5	8
DORSET	Sunsail 4	12:25:00	14:54:40	2:29:40	1:55:24	6	15
S'CLYDE.	First Encounter	12:25:00	15:08:06	2:43:06	1:55:28	7	13
S'CLYDE	Salamander	12:25:00	15:12:48	2:47:48	1:56:07	8	8
S'CLYDE	Excalibur	12:25:00	15:04:40	2:39:40	2:04:23	9	19
INV.	Speedwell	12:25:00	15:18:49	2:53:49	2:06:01	10	17
PSNI	Brizo	12:25:00	15:32:00	3:07:00	2:16:19	11	19
PSNI	Aurora	12:25:00	12:25:00	0:00:00	0:00:00	rtd	26
S'CLYDE	Moriah	12:25:00	14:25:45	2:00:45	1:19:27	1	4.75
CIVIL SERV.	Foxfire	12:25:00	14:53:22	2:28:22	1:28:26	2	5
PSNI	Alchemist	12:25:00	15:37:47	3:12:47	2:00:29	3	3.75
PSNI	Cirrus	12:25:00	12:25:00	0:00:00	0:00:00	rtd	7
Race Three		Start Time	Finish Time	Elapsed	Corrected	Race position	Points
PSNI	Sequoia	12:25:00	15:06:28	2:41:28	2:01:06	1	3.5
PSNI	Euforia	12:25:00	15:25:35	3:00:35	2:01:54	2	10
S. WALES	Pagan Force	12:25:00	14:54:30	2:29:30	2:03:56	3	5.75
S'CLYDE	Salamander	12:25:00	15:24:10	2:59:10	2:03:59	4	11
PSNI	Aurora	12:25:00	15:30:50	3:05:50	2:05:26	5	31
LANCS	Options	12:25:00	15:06:28	2:41:28	2:06:45	6	14
S'CLYDE	First Encounter	12:25:00	15:25:25	3:00:25	2:07:44	7	20
LANCS	Sunsail 8	12:25:00	15:14:15	2:49:15	2:10:30	8	23
PSNI	Brizo	12:25:00	15:25:55	3:00:55	2:11:53	9	28
INV.	Speedwell	12:25:00	15:26:55	3:01:55	2:11:53	10	27
DORSET	Sunsail 4	12:25:00	15:16:15	2:51:15	2:12:02	11	26
S'CLYDE	Excalibur	12:25:00	15:24:26	2:59:26	2:19:47	12	31
CIVIL SERV.	Foxfire	12:25:00	15:51:10	3:26:10	2:02:53	1	5.75
PSNI	Alchemist	12:25:00	15:42:45	3:17:45	2:03:36	2	5.75
PSNI	Cirrus	12:25:00	15:51:30	3:26:30	2:07:25	3	10
S'CLYDE	Moriah	12:25:00	15:45:50	3:20:50	2:12:09	4	7.75
Race Four		Start Time	Finish Time	Elapsed	Corrected	Race position	Points
PSNI	Aurora	10:10:00	15:41:00	5:31:00	3:43:26	1	31.75
PSNI	Sequoia	10:10:00	16:18:40	6:08:40	4:36:30	2	5.5
PSNI	Euforia	10:10:00	17:05:00	6:55:00	4:40:08	3	13
INV.	Speedwell	10:10:00	16:41:21	6:31:21	4:43:44	4	31
S'CLYDE	Salamander	10:10:00	17:14:49	7:04:49	4:53:58	5	16
DORSET	Sunsail 4	10:10:00	16:35:50	6:25:50	4:57:29	6	32
S. WALES	Pagan Force	10:10:00	16:15:20	6:05:20	5:02:52	7	12.75
LANCS	Sunsail 8	10:10:00	16:44:00	6:34:00	5:03:46	8	16
S'CLYDE	Excalibur	10:10:00	16:48:48	6:38:48	5:10:40	9	40
LANCS	Options	10:10:00	16:49:00	6:39:00	5:13:13	10	24
PSNI	Brizo	10:10:00	10:10:00	00:00:00	00:00:00	rtd	41
PS'CLYDE	First Encounter	10:10:00	10:10:00	00:00:00	00:00:00	rtd	33
PSNI	Moriah	10:10:00	15:23:00	5:13:00	3:25:57	1	8.5
PSNI	Foxfire	10:10:00	16:02:00	5:52:00	3:29:48	2	7.75
CIVIL SERV.	Alchemist	10:10:00	18:04:48	7:54:48	4:56:45	3	8.75
S'CLYDE	Cirrus	10:10:00	10:10:00	00:00:00	00:00:00	rtd	15

Day 4: Rothesay to Troon. "Excalibur" sailing south-west between The Cumbraes & Arran.

The photos above were taken by Carole Hayes aboard "Options".

Organiser:

Alex Bisset

Tel Office: 0141-532-4188

Fax: 0141-532-4189

Home Tel: 0141-771-9130

Strathclyde Police Recreation Association and North British Police Dinghy Championships, 2003

3rd October, 2003

Friday, 3rd October saw the crews gather at Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell for the annual Championships in Wayfarer Dinghies. Conditions were not for the fainthearted with winds at Force 5, which in turn caused fairly rough waves. It was intended to have 3 races over the first day, but due to the deteriorating weather, Race 3 was abandoned as a gale came through in the afternoon.

Racing was around marks laid out around the Loch, which were set to give the competitors the maximum challenge and hopefully push their skills to the limit.

Unfortunately the event was not as well supported locally as past years, with only 3 crews turning up, and a team from Fife Constabulary.

In a change to the normal format of 2 days of championship racing, it was decided to have a day of family sailing on the 2nd day, with a couple of races more suited to less experienced and younger sailors, and this was well supported by the section, but due to the strong windy conditions and the intense cold, it was with great sadness that the organising committee decided to cancel the event.

As always thanks are due to the staff at North Lanarkshire Council at the Watersports Centre who provide rescue cover and general assistance.

Alex Bisset

RESULTS:

North British Police Champions:- Fife Constabulary

                              Runners-up:- Dougie Reid (L Div) & John Love (V Div)

SPRA Champions:- Dougie Reid (L Div) & John Love (V Div)

SPRA Runners up:- John McLatchie (SDEA) & Kirsten MacIntyre (E Div)