News 

 

June 15th 

The Brown Cup Scottish Schools Regatta

Sailed at the event hosts' Loch Earn Sailing Club, St Fillans on Monday June 14th, Coll was fortunate to have two sailors who were not exam-tied and who relished the chance to race against some of Scotland's best dinghy sailors. Indeed, in their fleet, Jack Cadzow (R) and George Thompson (S) were matched up against some of the Scottish Youth Laser Squad.

Light airs throughout the three races caused most helms some problems with downwind speed, George losing places despite excellent starts. However he did achieve a very respectable 7th out of 14 Lasers, and 16th out of the thirty one handicap fleet. This is the best overall result recorded by a Coll sailor in this event, so he deserves a resounding plaudit for having done so well, and in a boat which he does not know particularly well.

Jack Cadzow enjoyed his day too, learning a great deal about racing, finishing a game 30th out of 31 entrants.

Well done to both boys!

Other, regular, sailing has been hit by exams, and this continues with the Lower Sixth Leadership Challenge and other CCF-related trips taking out another two sailing sessions. Hopefully we can get back out on the water before the rapidly approaching close of the school year.

May 18th

We are being blessed with some ideal conditions this month; warm sun, light winds, building to stronger ones as the afternoon progresses.

Whilst the light airs can be challenging, winds shifting from WSW to SE only makes life more tricky on Loch Earn, as those wind directions bring the breeze over a very tall range of hills just to the South of our sailing area.

Nonetheless, we have had the opportunity to acquire man overboard skills in the Wayfarer, as well as follow my leader and some racing. Last Tuesday all the racers bar one were disqualified after paddling their way round a good part of the course!  One helm was double-disqualified for sailing back into the fleet after crossing the finishing line! Much to learn.

This session was followed by a BBQ at Sarah White's house near the sailing club. Some excellent local burgers, sausages and strawberries and cream were greatly enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs White for hosting. 


May 14th and 15th

Off to Leeds to pick up our second Laser which will be commissioned shortly.


April and May 4th & 11th 2010

This year's Captain of Sailing, Sarah White, enthusiastic as ever, led us onto the water for the first time in mid-April. The club members are varied in experience but all keen to develop their seamanship skills.

We have been fortunate in having excellent conditions, slightly more than light airs, to shake off the winter cobwebs. The group has indulged in some triangular course racing, as well as a couple of seamanship exercises; coming alongside a moored RIB and sailing in a circle which tests the hands/sheet/tiller dexterity.

With two pupil RYA qualified dinghy instructors in the group, we are in a great position to rapidly develop the less experienced sailors this term.

A second Laser has been unearthed in Leeds, which will be joining us shortly to provide level racing for two helms. 

This video clip shows one of the reasons there are no second hand Lasers for sale in Scotland.

East Lothian Yacht Club Dinghy Park (.avi video clip)

A great deal of damage was caused and all the second hand boats were snapped up very quickly! Additionally, Laser Sailboats have their entire production of new boats booked for the Olympics in Weymouth so getting hold of a Laser has never been more difficult.