Regatta 1962

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Holm Regatta 1962

Twenty boats in lively Holm Regatta

A day of mixed weather with grey skies and heavy showers, periods of sunshine and light winds increasing to gale force and dying away to almost flat calm, made Holm Regatta a memorable one.

The dull skies of the early morning with the threat of rain which materialised only in the afternoon had an adverse effect on the number of spectators. Nevertheless, those who thronged the fronton the village and various vantage points from East Point to the end of No. 2 Barrier saw some excellent racing.

About two o’clock when the wind was at its fiercest, there were several mishaps. Watermusic stove in the side of Viking so badly as to make her unseaworthy though it was hoped to have her repaired in time to take part in the port-to-port race Holm to St. Margaret’s Hope on Tuesday evening.

A stay broke on Freya (R. Drever) and Fleetwing (D. Robertson), though repairs were made on the spot. In the Enterprise class race, Luggle (J. Pollock) had to retire with a damaged rudder.

In all, twenty-one boats took part in the regatta- eight Snipes, five Enterprises, Four Rockets, three Orkney Dinghies and one yawl, and to the Peatland Firth Sailing Club which sent the five Enterprises, Kirkwall Sailing Club for the one Snipe and four Rockets, Mr. Rosie who came all the way from Swona with his yawl Flacon, and to Mr. Linklater from Deerness with his Orkney dinghy, Holm Sailing Club extends its warmest thanks.

The first race at 2 o’clock was the Snipe race, and with the wind really strong Sirius (A. Kirkpatrick) found conditions ideal and romped home an easy winner from Tyro (H. Johnston) and Valhalla (H. MacKenzie)

Snipe

The next race was for Rockets and here First Attempt (D. Grieve) established an early lead which he maintained to the end. It was in this race that Freya’s rigging snapped, forcing her to retire.

Merlin Rocket

By the time the third race, for Enterprises, was due to start the wind had dropped a little and a keen tussle ensued between Silkie (K. Swanson) and Oldsox (J. Erith). Luggie (J. Pollock) had to retire with a damaged rudder but he got it repaired in time for the centreboard race. Halfway found the course Oldsox managed to pass Silkie and she gradually drew away to run over the finishing line with a forty seconds lead.

Enterprise

Only three Orkney Dinghies were forward for the next race, the Betty (D. Matches), the Eel (W. Allan), and Swift (R. Linklater, Deerness), and a misunderstanding about the start enabled Betty to establish a considerable lead which she maintained to the end.

Orkney Dinghies

After a very heavy shower of rain, the wind dropped still further and this favoured the very light boats in the next race, the Centreboard Class. Three Rockets, two Enterprises and two Snipes led the field in that order and a very thrilling finish it proved to be with Tyste (D. Kemp) just nosing over the line one foot in front of First Attempt (D. Grieve), only one second separated them. Corona (J. Laird) was 3rd with Mairie (J. McLeish) fourth.

Following this race there was a welcome break for tea in the Community Centre provided by Mrs. D. Laughton and her willing band of helpers.

Mixed Centreboards

Six o-clock saw the start of the Allcomers Race, and for the first time saw Falcon (J. Rosie) in action. Unfortunately the light wind turned fickle and almost died completely so that again the lighter boats were favoured. This time an Enterprise Mairie (J. McKleish) ran away with the major honours, closely followed by a Rocket, Tyste (D. Kemp), a Snipe, Fleetwing (D. Robertson), another rocket, First Attempt (D. Grieve), and an Enterprise, Oldsox (J. Erith).

The presentation of prizes took place before a large audience in the Community Centre at 9pm.

Presiding, in place of Commodore A. Fleet, Jnr. Who is at present south on holiday, Mr. David Munson, Millhouse, paid tribute to all the visiting yachtsmen who had come such a distance to take part.

He thanked all those behind the scenes who had worked so hard to make the day a success, and everyone who had supported their efforts. He had a special word of thanks for Mr. Wylie and his rescue boat which had been at hand not only today but each evening of the points races.

He had much pleasure in calling on Mrs. D. Robertson to present the prizes which she did in a most graceful manner.

There followed a very successful Regatta Dance which was very well patronised.

Allcomers

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Stromness Regatta 1962

Cats Thrill at Stromness

There were fifteen boats forward for the regatta held in Stromness Harbour on Friday. A fresh breeze kept the boats moving at a lively pace and the expert handling of the graceful craft enthralled the numerous spectators occupying vantage points along the piers.

Much interest was raised by the first appearance of two ‘Yachting World’ catamarans. The beautiful workmanship of the two Kirkwall builders, Messrs D. Thomson and J. Taylor was much admired, and they are to be congratulated on their splendid performance.

Merlin Rocket Class

The first race was for the Merlin-Rocket Class, but as there were only two of these boats forward , it was agreed to include in the race Willie Groat’s Saga, a Lone Redwing, and an old favourite in Stromness. Freya and First Attempt crossed the starting line together with Freya in the wind ward berth, but on the run down to the first buoy it was seen that First Attempt had established a short lead which she just maintained to the end.

Snipe Class

There were eight entries from Holm Sailing Club and one from Kirkwall for the Snipe class race, and a beautiful sight they made with their varied hull and sail colours as they jockeyed for position at the start. It was soon seen that there was very little difference in the performance of these very weatherly boats, and the fine breeze kept the helmsmen on their toes for every minute of the race. After the first round Viking was leading Sirius, and a fine tussle they had; but skipper A. Fleet in the former was not to be denied and resisted all the wiles of D. Kirkpatrick and gained a popular win.

These two boats were closely followed by Firewood, who was coming up very fast at the finish, having worked his way clear from the group by a fine piece of sailing. The Holm Sailing Club is to be congratulated on being able to put forward such a fine fleet, and their wisdom in sticking to the one design, a design admirably suited to local conditions, was seen in the close finish, which was as follows:

Yachting World Catamarans

The start of this race was marred by Venture just luffing over the line seconds before the gun, and the committee, somewhat reluctantly, had to recall her, which gave Osprey a lead which she had no difficulty in maintaining. During the race Venture had the additional handicap of splitting her boom, and it says much for the stability of these craft that the crew could affect a lashing while still under sail. Both boats being new are bound to have some teething troubles, but when thoroughly tuned up will give sailing fans much to enthuse over.

Catamaran Results

Allcomers Race

Fifteen boats came forward for this race, the fleet being augmented by Mr Seatter’s new 12 ft centreboard dinghy. In the interests of safety, the committee decided to give the ‘cats’ a one minute start so that they could get a clear round. Venture was taking no risks at the starting line this time and let Osprey off with what looked like an impossible lead, but beautifully handled by her skipper, she managed to catch Osprey, and the finish is something that will be talked about for many a day.

Both boats raced stem to stem for the finishing line with weather hulls airborne at a speed which must have been near 20 knots, and to a great cheer Venture just pipped Osprey by one second.

Meanwhile Dan Grieve in First Attempt was having a rare battle of wits with the Snipes, first being challenged by Sirius and then Firewood. The finish was exciting too, because only 24 seconds separated the first three boats. The committee had only the previous races on which to base a handicap and were just too severe in asking the ‘cats’ to give 14 minutes. The results were:

Allcomers

The committee in charge of the regatta were Messrs T. Rendall, R. Fawns, and W. Knight and they, along with the Shopping Week Committee, are deeply grateful to the visiting yachtsmen for putting on such a fine show.

It is hoped to resuscitate the Stromness Sailing Club and devote a whole day to the regatta another year, and so be able to withdraw the many fine trophies from a bank vault and put them in circulation once more.

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Sanday Regatta 1962

Sanday had a grand day for Regatta

Excellent conditions prevailed for the annual regatta of Sanday Sailing Club held on Thursday, July 12. From the island of Eday there ventured Mr. Thomson with his boat ‘Gem’. His arrival was appreciated by the club. The only incident of the afternoon was the marooning on the skerry of the Mavis navigated by Mr. A Skea. Local opinion is that Mr. Skea handles ‘Irene’ better.

In the evening a well attended dance was organised by Mr. Thomson and his committee. During the evening the prizes for the sailing were presented by Mrs. McVean, wife of the Commodore of the Club. Miss Kathleen Sinclair of Parlgo courteously handed over a large box of chocolates to Mrs. McVean at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The regatta course was three times round the buoys, a total of six miles. Previous to the regatta, points sailing competitions had been held on various evenings, with ‘Bella’ (Peter Harcus) always ahead. Throughout the day the officials at the pierhead were kept busy, and in the sheds the ladies, under the supervision of Mrs. Harcus, provided a service of teas and snacks. The rowing boat races attracted the interest the young boys, and contest for prizes was keen.

Altogether it was a grand day for sailing, though a bit cold for the large crowd who watched the races from the pier at Kettletoft.

Class 1 Boats

Flying Start - J. W. Sinclair

Class 2 Boats

Flying Start - Bella

Class 3 Boats

Flying Start - Ada

Class 4 Boats and Dinghies

Flying Start - Girl Pat

Allcomers Race

Flying Start - Girl Pat (John Sinclair)

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St. Margaret’s Hope Regatta 1962

Fine Sailing In Water Sound

Favoured with ideal weather South Ronaldsay and Burray Regatta was held in Burray Sound on Wednesday, August 1, when 24 boats took part in the various races throughout the day.

The wind was north-westerly which gave a reach to a buoy off the Needle, a run to the mark boat off Hunda, and a reach to the home buoy off the pierhead.

The arrangements for the regatta were ably carried out by Dr. Hooker, vice commodore, and Mr. John Dearness, secretary, who were assisted at the pierhead by an able body of workers. All the races went off without a hitch, and although a few boats had to be towed home with minor mishaps, no boats capsized.

Some very fine sailing was witnessed during the day, the boats getting a severe test on the beat from the Burray pier to the Hunda mark, and altogether the day’s races were thoroughly enjoyed by competitors and spectators alike.

The first race for Orkney Dinghies, yawls and skiffs was cancelled, only one boat, the Falcon from Swona, being forward. Their place, however, was taken over by two Catamarans from Kirkwall, which caused a good deal of speculation amongst the large number of spectators by the speed which they went through the water. The boats, the Venture (J. Taylor) and Osprey (D. Thomson) sailed three races, after which it was found that Venture was the ultimate winner by the narrow margin of one minute.

Rockets

Next off were the Rockets, in which class four boats were forward- First Attempt (D. Grieve), Corona (J. Laird), Freya (R. Drever) and Tyste (R. Croy). As will be seen from the times below, First Attempt was an easy winner. Results and times were as follows:

Snipes

The Snipes were next on the programme, when ten boats were forward- Sirius (A. Kirkpatrick), Valhalla (H. Mackenzie), Firewood (S. Muir), Tyro (H. Johnston), La Rocca (R. Laird), Sceptre (C. Bruce), Zephyr (J. Foubister), Water Music (A. Tulloch), Viking (F. Johnston), and Fleetwing (D. Robertson).

The leading boats in this class were Sirius and Valhalla, only seven seconds separating them at the finish. The latter, however, had the misfortune of being over the line at the start and had to return to start again.

Results were as follows:

Enterprises

Six boats took part in this race, all from the Peatland Firth Sailing Club, and with the exception of Old Sox who retired, only about three minutes separated the first and last boats.

Results were as follows:

Centreboard Dinghies

Twenty boats were forward for this race - ten Snipes, four Rockets and six Enterprises, and they made a spectacular sight as they sailed past the pierhead on their way down the sounds. Many changes took place on the beat to the Hunda mark, and Sirius put up a great fight to pip First Attempt by 11 seconds for first place, with Valhalla only another 16 seconds behind for third place.

Final results were as follows:

At the conclusion of this race, the crews and officials were entertained to tea in Walls’ Cafe, where the needs of the ‘inner man’ were amply provided for by a band of willing workers, the catering coming in for a very favourable comment by many of the participants.

Allcomers

After tea, the crews repaired to the pier again to take part in the last race of the day - The Allcomers - in which 19 boats took part - two Snipes and an Enterprise having to stay ashore owing to minor mishaps in previous races.

The wind, which had been fairly strong throughout the previous races, had fallen away somewhat for this race, but despite this fact the leading boats made fairly good times. Lydia (an Enterprise) was the ultimate winner with First Attempt 13 seconds behind, and Fleetwing third, only three seconds ahead of Sirius.

Times and results were as follows:

Presentation of Prizes

The prizes were presented ins the Cromarty Hall in the evening, at which Dr. Hooker presided.

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Longhope Regatta 1962

Ideal Sailing for 22 boats at Longhope

Up to midday on Thursday, it looked as if the Longhope Regatta would be rather unexciting, with the boats lying becalmed on the starting line; but the wind suddenly rose to a fresh breeze which continued for the rest of the day to give ideal sailing to the 22 boats present.

A large number of people, including many visitors, watched the presentation of the prizes and trophies on the pierhead as follows:

Orkney Fishing Dinghies

Second Class Boats

Rockets

Snipes

Enterprises

Catamarans

Allcomers

Trophies

J. M. F. Groat Cup for Orkney dinghies- The Brothers (R. Kirkpatrick).

Admiral Sir Lumley Lybster Cup for 2nd class boats - Falcon (J. Rosie)

George Kirkpatrick Cup for Snipe class - Valhalla (H. McKenzie)

Longhope W. R. I. Cup for Merlin Rockets - Corona (J. Laird)

Oliver Mowat Cup for 3 sailed yawls - Family Pride (D. Kirkpatrick)

Willie Doull Cup for Enterprise class - Lydia (G. Cullington)

Dr. Foubister Cup for Allcomers - Sirius (A. Kirkpatrick)

J & W Tait Cup for first centreboard in Allcomers - Sirius (A. Kirkpatrick)

Sammy Doull Cup for first unclassified boat in Allcomers - Falcon (J. Rosie)

Captain Dunnet Cup for first local yawl - Emma (Sam Doull)

Seaberry Cup for first boat in allcomers with fixed keel - Falcon (J. Rosie)

James Cromarty Cup for Catamarans - Venture (J. Taylor)

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Errol Bruce Cup 1962

The race for the Errol Bruce Cup was sailed in Kirkwall Bay on Friday forenoon under ideal conditions, when 14 boats were forward - three Rockets, six Snipes, and five Enterprises.

The wind which was light and southerly at the start increased considerably as the race proceeded. The course, which was greatly extended for the first round, was to a mark buoy off Theive’s Holm, thence around Scargun buoy, and a dead beat to the home buoy of the Pierhead, after which the boats completed the usual points course - Greenfield, Crowness and home.

This course is approximately nine miles.

Many changes took place during the race, the most notable being First Attempt, who was well behind at one time, going into the lead on the beat from Scargun to the pier mark, and Tyste, who was leading boat right up to Scargun, but eventually fell well to the rear.

After rounding the home buoy to start out on the round of the points course - Greenfield, Crowness and back to the finishing line - First Attempt led all the way to finish first, with Tyro a good second, only 19 seconds behind, followed by Lydia, an Enterprise class boat.

Results and times were as follows:

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Port to Port Race 1962

The Port to Port Race from Holm to St. Margaret’s Hope had to be cancelled on Tuesday evening owing to the strong wind and heavy seas.

This race, we believe, was included in the Errol Bruce Cup race, that is to say: the first boat home in the three classes - Rockets, Snipes and Enterprises - would be the winner of the cups in the Port to Port Race.

Thus the winners would be, in the event of this being the case:-

Rockets - First Attempt (D. Grieve)

Snipes - Tyro (H. Johnston)

Enterprises - Lydia (J. Cullington)