Young sailors at Loch Ken

YOUNG sailors from across Dumfries and Galloway gathered on Loch Ken for the annual Five Castles Schools Regatta.

Racing in teams of three in identical single-handed Laser Pico dinghies, provided by Galloway Activity Centre, the sailors took part in a series of short races in light winds throughout the day.

Non sailors and novice sailors from competing schools also took part in the event, enjoying a series of water sports taster sessions.

The annual regatta, organised by Annandale Sailing Club in partnership with Solway Yacht Club and the activity centre, was won this year by Lockerbie Academy’s A team of Fergus and Joanna Barrie and John Beardon.

The light, fickle breeze made racing tricky and tactical for competitors and frustrating for the race management team led by Duncan Greenhalgh. The contest’s final knock out phase eventually had to be abandoned leaving results to be calculated on points accrued throughout the day’s racing.

Silver medallists were the Austin Friars trio of Amelia Joseph, James Kelly and Niccolo Vetta and bronze medals went to Dalbeattie High School’s Caitlin Ross, Philipa Benson and Jack Jardine.

Topping the less experienced Silver Fleet was Wallacehall Academy and Lockerbie Academy’s second team won the Bronze Fleet award.

The prize for the top taster team went to Kirkcudbright Academy with St Joseph’s in second and Douglas Ewart High School third.

The regatta’s principal officer Willie Patterson said: “The 2011 event saw another fantastic year of fun for a great bunch of kids.”

He said he was particularly pleased to welcome special guests for the day Ronald Copland, whose brother James had been unable to attend due to ill health, and Rod Herman. All three had been sailing champions in their youth and were a great inspiration to the competitors.

Willie thanked the two sailing clubs, Galloway Activity Centre and the event’s sponsor Common Thread Group.



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