The 2016 Barton Marine Warm-Up Series at Largs Sailing Club culminated on Easter Sunday, with gusts of 37 knots ripping through the fleet at the end of the first race. The second race was abandoned in favour of an early prize-giving!

In all, 32 boats took to the water over the series, with many races having entries in the mid-teens. Five visiting dinghies took part in the event, which is now becoming a regular fixture in the Scottish Racing calendar.

The series started on the 21st of February, with 11 boats taking to the water in a chilly 15-20 knot westerly breeze. Conditions suited the Cherub and the catamarans, but the RS200s were not far behind.

Mid series racing was generally in much more benign, warm conditions. In these lighter winds the RS300s, Solos and RS200s started to shine with inshore, tide cheating tactics becoming key.

With seven races to count in the event, out of the 10 starts, discards became important. Some notable performances were made by sailors unable to complete the full series, namely by Alistair McLaughlin (RS300), Stuart Gibson (Solo) and Alan Henderson (Osprey).

Overall Results:

First: Martin Faulkner and Bill Forsyth. LSC. RS200

Second: Josh Kerr and Fenella Corlett. LSC. RS200

Third: David Whyte. Bardowie SC. Solo.

Best Under 16: Daniel Nunn. LSC. Laser Radial

Best Under 18: Charlie Nunn. LSC. RS Feva

Lasers:

First: Andrew Malone. LSC

Second: Stuart Moss. LSC

Third: Daniel Nunn. LSC

RS200s (apart from overall):

First: Andrew Corlett and Calum Forsyth. LSC

Second: Ruaridh Moss and Joe Gibson. LSC

Third: Willie and Dom Todd, LSC

Barton Marine was pleased to support the event. The series brought great attention to sailing in the local area and several classes at the club, namely RS200s and Lasers, are seeing an enthusiastic growth in support. That’s what we like to hear…