The Race Plan for Seil’s gathering of skiffs was to be a two leg race around the Island. Skiffs from Carrick, Pittenweem, Isle of Mull, Mid-Argyll and Isle of Luing joined us for the weekend. Luing also brought along their second boat, a renovated Fair Isle skiff, Virda.
Leg one of the race was delayed because of haar at Ellanabeich – the skiffs eventually set off in a ‘long line of everybody’ (W. Pooh), to catch the tidal gate at Cuan, sandwiched between two safety boats. Essential equipment for coxes – handheld compasses and a GPS! The sun eventually broke through at the north end of Torsa and it was a scorcher.
The race was then shortened and adapted to a multi-lane start from the planned processional time trial and a new start line set up. The race, over 3.8 km instead of 8.8 km from Ellanabeich, was narrowly won by Isle of Mull, from Isle of Luing, Pittenweem, Isle of Seil and Carrick. The timing device malfunctioned unfortunately. Mid Argyll joined us at Cuan, with a scratch crew.
Lunch at Hunter’s Quay and a crew change for some clubs for the afternoon’s racing. The race officer, Dr George, had a medical emergency to deal with shoreside – one of the Seil crew had to visit A&E – all is well. Meanwhile, the skiffs had a gentle row up to Clachan Bridge to inspect the lack of water beneath it.
Leg 2 reversed the morning’s row – as one of the visiting crews said: “We didn’t see the island on the way because of the fog so it dosn’t matter going back the same way!” Over 8.5 km the race was won by Isle of Mull (52.40) from Seil (53.45), Luing (55.32), Pittenweem (57.46), Mid Argyll (58.36), Luing 2 (59.12) and Carrick (63.50).
A BBQ and ceilidh rounded off the day. We cleared over £600 which is to be ring-fenced to help with travel expenses for regattas – until now, individuals have paid their own (and Selkie’s) way.
Sunday saw a more gentle cruise in company around Easdale Island in choppier conditions than Saturday’s mirror calm before folk headed off home and Seil’s third crew rowed Selkie back through the Cuan to HQ.
The overall results are below. Luing have been in the water for a whole week and Mull only since March – both, obviously, forces to contend with!
We set off from the Pontoon just after midday and rowed down against tide and wind to Toberonochy, arriving about 1345, where we were greeted by a good percentage of the population and enjoyed cheery chat, burgers and tea.
photo courtesy of Iain Robb
