Scottish Student Sailing Team Racing Qualifier 1

On Friday the 15th of November Scotland’s University’s dinghy sailing teams assembled in Glasgow to kick start the first league event of the 2019-2020 season. The first of the team racing qualifiers was hosted by Glasgow University Sailing Club and Scottish Student Sailing at Clyde Cruising Club Dinghy Section, situated on Bardowie Loch. After everyone had settled into their accommodation for the weekend, the teams assembled in Glasgow’s sponsor bar Bank Street for the first evening of socialisation.

Finishing touches to the boats on Saturday morning - Image by Caitlin Fotheringham

With boats rigged and ready to go bright and early on Saturday morning, the wind did not match our enthusiasm to get sailing. GUSC’s volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the competitors fed and warm throughout the day as we waited for wind. Time and again the course was examined and marks moved in the hope that we could go ahead with some racing. Alas it was not to be – the wind didn’t pick up enough to sail in the sub-zero temperatures and clear blue skies, bringing an early end to day one of the qualifiers.

A breeze-less Bardowie - Image by Caitlin Fotheringham

With plenty of time on the competitors’ hands, it was time to perfect the costumes for the social ahead. The theme for the night was ‘Superstitions’ and saw teams dress as their interpretations of cracked mirrors, female pirates, umbrellas, black cats, snakes and more.

A sailing or costume making competition? - Images from The Garage

Sunday morning was a misty day making it hard to even see across the loch. As everyone waited patiently for a sign of breeze, there were exciting things to be celebrated. GUSC had initiated participation in The Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge, which is a collaborative programme between the RYA and British Marine aiming to increase national environmental awareness with regards to sailing and boating. As part of the programme GUSC had asked all competitors and helpers to bring their own reusable bottles and mugs in an effort to reduce the waste created by disposable cups and bottles. This enabled a great reduction in the number of disposable items used in comparison to previous events – a huge achievement by all in moving towards sustainability.

Celebrating less waste! - Image by Laura Cranston

Throughout the weekend GUSC were running a bake sale in aid of Ocean Youth Trust. The charity aim to help young people in their personal development through sailing. With thanks from the many donations of baked goods and our hungry sailors we raised £60!

Bake sale for Ocean Youth Trust - Image by Caitlin Fotheringham

In the afternoon we had to give up on the wind once again and let the sun set early on SSS1. Glasgow University Sailing Club thanks all of the helpers and competitors for giving their time and a great effort towards running the event. Fingers crossed for some sailing at SSS2 and 3!