Scottish Europe Nationals at Loch Tummel Sailing Club
by Richard Eagleton 19 Sep 2014 13:31 BST
13-14 September 2014
It may sound like another constitutional conundrum but actually it was a weekend of good close racing set against the magnificent scenery of Loch Tummel. There was even some wind!
In the shifty conditions any mistakes upwind and down were swiftly punished, as were some over-eager starters. Almost everyone had a chance near the front of the fleet at some point. Some found it surprisingly easy to get to the back of the fleet as well! Bess Homer of the home club was imperious in the first four races, although Fiona Annan, Andy Harris and Katie Hughes were united together in challenging for first place in the early stages. It was not until race 5 that Richard Eagleton found a shift that allowed him to sail off into an independent lead for the whole race. So pleased was he with his success that he fell asleep at the last start, and while Bess was undertaking family duties with the trophy once more safe in Scottish hands, Katie now sailed into the lead while Paul Hignett, on loan from the Moth fleet, found enough speed to chase Richard to the finish.
Once again the Europe class showed its unique selling point amongst all the adult racing classes of a fair mix of the sexes. Our usual 50/50 ratio was actually exceeded with a 5 – 3 split of the skirts over the sporrans.
The Europe class thanks Loch Tummel for their hospitality, Race Officer Gavin Homer for his totally unbiased management of the racing, and Alyson Thomson for organising the Scottish Europe circuit, that comes to a climax on 27/28th September at the Loch Earn Final Fling.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Bess Homer | Loch Tummel | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 |
| 2 | Katie Hughes | Loch Lomond | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
| 3 | Richard Eagleton | Bexhill | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
| 4 | Andy Harris | Chew Valley | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 18 |
| 5 | Paul Hignett | Loch Lomond | 5 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 24 |
| 6 | Fiona Annan | Loch Tummel | 2 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 25 |
| 7 | Ruth Thomson | Loch Tummel | 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 29 |
| 8 | Alyson Thomson | Loch Tummel | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 34 |