Regatta 1976

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Holm Regatta 1976

"One of the most successful regatta ever" was the unanimous verdict of crews and spectators alike at the end of Holm Regatta, held in the bay in front of St. Mary's on Saturday afternoon July 31.

In all there were thirty racing craft- 8 snipes, 12 rockets, 5 ballast boats, 1 yacht, 1 catamaran and 3 others. And a stiff north-westerly breeze provided ideal sailing conditions. In attendance there were no less than five rescue boats, including the inflatable of H.M. Coastguard, and they all had work to do during the course of the afternoon.

Three boats capsized, throwing their occupants into the water, and the crew member of a fourth was flung overboard as the swing of the mainsail after rounding the Ayre buoy caught him unawares. But rescue boats were quickly on the scene, and after righting the yachts made for the pier, their occupants none the worse for their misadventure.

Even the skipper of one of the rescue boats had an unexpected 'weeting' as one of the very light racing craft gave way under him as he momentarily stepped aboard. But he carried on regardless.

The course set was a run to No. 1 Barrier, reach to No. 2, a beat to Ayre buoy and a run home.

Skudding clouds and brilliant sunny intervals lit up the multicoloured sails and hulls against the deep blue water of the bay, and the white blocks of the Churchll barriers bringing cries of delight from the many amateur photographers among the crowds of spectators at various vantage points on the pier, along the front of the village and on the precincts to each of the barriers.

And the racing was good, all the boats having to complete the course twice in each race- an approximate distance of five miles.

First to go were the Snipes, followed by the Merlin Rockets, Other Boats and Ballast Boats. Then came the centreboard race, before the crews and officials repaired to the Community Centre, where sailing club ladies had prepared a sumptuous repast of soup, mince and tatties, trifles and whipped cream and tea. In another room teas were on sale to the public.

The inner man satisfied, they all returned to the pier for the start of the Allcomers race at 6 o'clock, with the wind fresh as ever. Never in the history of Holm Regatta has the programme been completed in such record time.

As commodore Sinclair Muir remarked when he introduced Mrs. Ann Johnston, who was to graciously hand over the trophies to the prizewinners, this has been one of the best regattas Holm has ever staged. He thanked all the visiting yachtsmen, including a special thank you to Mr. Dunn and his crew who came all the way from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to complete, and who would not go home empty-handed, in that they had won two second prizes in the Centreboard race and Allcomers. (Applause).

To Commodore Scollay and his assistants from Kirkwall, who had helped with the hadicapping statistics at the pierhead; to the ladies of Holm Sailing Club for their sumptuous repast; to the crews of the rescue boats, and all who had helped behind the scenes he called for a comprehensive vote of thanks.

Thereafter, a most successful Regatta Dance continued to stirring music provided by Kenny Ritch and his band.

Snipe:

Merlin Rocket:

Other Boats:

Mixed Centreboards:

Ballast Boats:

Allcomers: