Gairloch Boat Club Big Boat Event held on 7th July 2012

The forecast was 5-7 NNE from the Met Office on Saturday morning and it proved to be spot on! Ventura recorded 16 – 24 throughout the day and Fearless Friend – Trevor and Julie Harrisons boat from Stranraer - recorded a high of 30 knots. Conditions were challenging and ne’er a spinnaker was observed!

We had nine boats out, three based at Laide, one from Badachro, one from Stranraer and four moored at Sheildaig. Again Ian Graham kindly provided the use of a committee boat and Rob Adam performed (as always) impeccably as Officer of the Day. Rob was ably helped by Nicola on timing and Andrew and Ruth on Flag duty, with Vanessa and Sam supporting.
Once again Paul MacDonald filmed the event and, if the quality compares to previous events, we have another treat in store! 
A course, laid by Peter MacDonald and devised by Hugh Macintyre, proved difficult but fair with all points of sail visited and revisited. Of particular note were two marks laid close to Gairloch which provided entertainment for both sailors and watchers from the shore!

The clear winner was Seanachaidh – helmed by Ian Graham – a X43 racing/cruiser with a very able crew on-board. In fact, the crew may have been sufficient to form a football team!

Second was Volja – Andy Brooks' boat, supported by Terry Doe, which according to Cameron Thomas on Seanachaidh, was sailed perfectly.

Sadly Angus MacLeod on Jaybee was unable to make it three wins in a row and came third.

Other results were
4th Ventura
5th Solitaire
6th Khamsin
7th Fearless Friend
8th Liberty
9th Mr ES

A total of £445 was raised by entrance fees and a raffle to be split between Highland Hospice and Clic Sargent. Thanks as always to Donald at the Shieling for a super meal and use of the lounge afterwards. Thanks to all who donated such great raffle prizes and special thanks to Helen for her help with the raffle and to Trish for the late night music.