Scottish Student Sailing Team Racing Qualifier 3

The third and final Scottish Team Racing Qualifier was held at Lochore and hosted by Edinburgh University Sailing Club on the 8th and 9th of February 2020. Once greeted by our lovely hosts, the teams headed out to Kitty O’Shea’s for a mingle with some live music. No better way to start a weekend of Scottish sailing than singing along to The Proclaimers! This was to be the final SSS team racing weekend for a few of our sailors, making it an extra special one.

Launching into the waves (Photograph by Lucia Rodriguez Garcia)

Saturday morning started off sunny and bright with winds on the strong side. Rigging was challenging, with jib sheets whipping in the air and sails flapping loudly. Even whilst on the trailers the wind was pushing the boats along the ground if they weren’t being held onto tightly. Getting the boats out onto the water at launching proved hazardous too. The wind and waves pushed boats and people around, after a few close calls with the rocks the boats all made their way out into the loch, ready to start racing in survival mode.

Tough conditions made easier in the sunshine (Photograph by Lucia Rodriguez Garcia)

The sailing was tough, the waves high and the boats problematic. Second team were down to 2 boat racing and suffered a defeat from St. Andrews, then a loss to Strathclyde 3 and win to Strathclyde 2. First team won their playoff against St. Andrews’ second team to remain in Platinum League. They sailed the conditions well and all managed to stay upright – a victory in itself! After testing the waters it was decided that Bronze League was not to race, which unfortunately meant no sailing for Glasgow's third team this weekend.

Boats or Bathtubs? (Photograph by Lucia Rodriguez Garcia)

On Sunday storm Ciara threw up huge waves that swept up and over the pontoons. The sailors kept warm and dry inside until sailing was called off around midday. Glasgow’s first team finished 5th in Platinum League overall. The top 4 teams in Platinum League go straight to Finals, whilst 5th, 6th and 7th go on to participate at Playoffs. Glasgow’s first team will join St. Andrews 2 and Strathclyde 3 in Bristol on the 29th February (leap year!) to battle it out for a place in Finals!

Results from SSS 3 (Scottish Student Sailing)

Congratulations to Strathclyde 1, Edinburgh 2, Edinburgh 1 and St. Andrews 1 for being the top 4 teams of the SSS qualifiers and bagging a spot at Finals. Hope to see you there! Huge thank you to Edinburgh University Sailing Club for hosting us and to Scottish Student Sailing for running a great event.