The Three Peaks Yacht Race
Best Dressed and Vagabonds
Rob Howard / 11.06.2014
Wednesday began with a rush of boats arriving in gales and rain, and is closing with sunshine and light breezes. For those who have finished its the chance to relax and sleep before tomorrow’s race party, or head home if they need to, but the lighter winds are not great news for the two boats still some way off the finish line, Intrepid Misfits and DSTL.
Baloo and Tiger arrived within half an hour of each other in the morning, and although Baloo’s runners gave their all they were not quite able to catch their rivals, so the two finished in 8th and 9th respectively. Tiger skipper Brian Clarke said they’d not had an entirely trouble free race, losing a spinnaker in an ill-timed 20 knot gust in the early part of the race. He turned up at the finish with a pot of spaghetti hoops for his runners (it’ easily digestible), and plenty of beer and champagne to celebrate.
Later in the day his team also showed off their entry for the ‘Best Dressed Boat’ competition, a sail decorated by his God children. There is a silver Quaiche (a Scottish 2 handled drinking bowl) trophy for this given by British Waterways, who do so much to support the race here at Corpach, and it’s usually the lock keeper who acts as the judge.
Later in the day Vagabond Mountaineering Club arrived, and by that time the weather was much improved and they had the best conditions on Ben Nevis. (It was still cloud covered and wet on top though!) The Liverpool based club are regular competitors and like everyone have been surprised by the speed of the race this year. “We expected to be here tomorrow,” they said, “it was spinnaker sailing all the way up!”
Luckily for them they arrived in time to enjoy the best of the weather – and at the right time a pleasant evening in the pub!
SleepMonsters
