Scottish Blaze at Findhorn

On the 3^rd and 4^th of July the first ever Scottish Blaze Travellers event was held at the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club (RFYC).

The event, which was part of the RFYC’s annual regatta was held on the open water of the Moray Firth outside the relative shelter of Findhorn Bay. The tidal gate on the exit from Findhorn Bay was the first real test of the day. But once in the open water of the Moray Firth, exciting racing was to be experienced.

Thirty percent of the Scottish Blaze fleet turned out for the event. Four clubs were represented: RFYC, Port Edgar Yacht Club (PEYC), Crammond Sailing Club (CSC) and Helensburgh Sailing Club (HSC).

On day one two races were sailed. The wind ranged from force one to three with a sea swell. Bill Soudan (RFYC) showed some form in race one, taking first place. In race two Peter Sykes (PEYC) took first place, Bill Soudan being overtaken on a fast reach by Peter Sykes and Mervyn Hardy from (HSC), Mervyn sailing fast and determined with the old Blaze rig.

On day two there was no wind at first but a sea breeze eventually arrived building to force three to four with a choppy sea swell. Both courses were upwind downwind depriving the Blazes of a fast reach. Bill Soudan (RFYC) sailed consistently to take first place on both races.

The final top three results were: Bill Soudan (RFYC) 1,3,1,1; Peter Sykes (PEYC) 2,1,2,3; Mervyn Hardy (HSC) 3,2,3,2.

The Blaze Association would like to thank the RFYC for hosting the Blaze Travellers event. The next Scottish Blaze Travellers event is at Loch Venachar Saling Club on the 28/29^th of August.