Hansa class boats are helping to grow sailing in Scotland, with a recently completed Multi Class regatta and more events already on the calendar.
Fourteen competitors sailing doubles in Hansa 303’s came from around Western and Southern Scotland to take part in the recently completed Scottish Multiclass regatta.
Glorious sunshine greeted the competitors at Castle Semple Loch at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. In the morning, light winds made the sailing slow during the 2 races however the wind filled in after lunch and a great afternoon of racing followed.
First Overall, sailing ‘Bumblebee’, went to Able 2 Sail members Darren MacGregor, aged 18 from Glasgow and Jamie Kearns, aged 17 from Clydebank they also received the ‘Windward Mark Trophy’ for their fantastic efforts on the day. They also scored 15 points, however, because they won two of the five races they were the overall winners.
Disability Resource Centre, Paisley Sports Committee Members Vicky McMillan and Craig Holland came second with 15 points, they were sailing ‘Tranquility’. The most travelled competitors took third place with 17 points in ‘Dinah Did’ – they were Steve Laycok and Jessica Campbell from South West Scotland Sailability based at Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken.
The prize for the ‘Most Improved Crew’, sailing ‘Wee Ginger’, went to 16 year old Heather Wallace and 15 year old Jordan Gorman, pupils at Park Special School in Kilmarnock. Competitors came from Kirkcudbright, Kilmarnock, Paisley, Glasgow and Clydebank, representing Additional Support Needs Schools, Accessible Sport and Sailing Clubs and Charities
The Regatta is a legacy event, born out of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. In the lead up to the Games, a ‘Race 2 the Games’ regatta was held which saw 17 Hansa 303’s race 33km up the River Clyde. .
The Drinks Reception, hosted by Depute Provost Caldwell of Renfrewshire Council and then Prize Giving, supported by Gael Force Marine Glasgow, was eagerly awaited given how close the racing had been.
Depute Provost Caldwell said “This Regatta, the only Multi-Class in Scotland provides a goal for all participants to aim for in their training programmes. It has certainly been fantastic watching the racing. “
Following on from this event, Hansa 303’s will be part of the boat show at Kip Marina and will offer sailing for juniors during the three days of the show.
A Spring Regatta is planned for 8th May for Hansa 2.3 & 303’s as well as the International 2.4 and organiser David Hill is hoping to get about 25 boats to that and the date for the 2016 Scottish Multiclass is already scheduled for 10th Sept 2016. A squad of sailors will also be formed with the aim of competing in the 2017 Special Olympics in Sheffield.
To find out more about any of these upcoming events, contact David Hill at david.hill@clydemuirshiel.co.uk
More photos and video from the event are available at http://race2thegames.org.uk/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ScottishMultiClassRegatta
Thanks to David Hill for access to the photos and information.
