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New Years Race                              

Kip 2016 - Start 11-00 hours

With the forecast fluctuating all week it was decided that the race should go ahead as planned on Saturday 2 January 2016. With four boats taking part it was a reasonable turnout with crews meeting at the Marina Office at 10-30. The wind was forecast to be out of the east and as the boats prepared for the race that was certainly the case. No rain was forecast and even a short spell of sun was anticipated. Unfortunately the latter did not materialise. The course was a flying start from the fuel jetty out to Channel mark N up to Warden bank into the power station mark and then a repeat with the exception of the last leg which was from Warden Bank to the Marina entrance and the finishing time taken with the boats crew member reporting to the Race Officer at Marina Office.

With low water at shortly after 11 o’clock the far side of the river was always going to be difficult given the amount of rain which had fallen over the last few weeks. Almost as soon as the race started the wind began to fluctuate and blew only 4 or 5 knots and on the far shore it turned north westerly which made for a fast third leg from Warden Bank to the power station mark. The first round really suited Jim McKenzies new boat, a Hallberg Rassy 26, which on handicap lead the fleet by 4 minutes. As the wind filled in on the second round touching 12/13 knots it made it easier for Leomaris to make way up stream towards Warden Bank. Even with the flood tide there was still three knots of current down stream that made the Innellan shore leg very hard work.  The Hanse, Blue Hoolit,  owners Johnathan and Rosemary Ayre had travelled up from North Berwick to take part and they had an excellent joust with Murray Sims Bavaria 32 Poppamatic 2.

With great hospitality from Kip Marina and the very much appreciated support, yet again, by Boyd Tunnock, every crew member headed home with the Tunnocks goodie bag after the enjoyable days exertions.

1^st       Leomaris

2^nd     Hallberg Rassy

Rtd   Poppamatic 2

Rtd    Blue Hoolit

 

Ricky Gray

Commodore