RTYC Keelboat wins prestigious Queens Diamond Jubilee

Regatta/East Cowes Sailing Club Centenary Year

Celebrations, 'Sail the Wight' race!

RTYC stalwart and Club Secretary Stuart Buchanans son, Andrew, also a former RTYC Cadet and Member, moved to the Isle of Wight a number of years ago and recently acquired a Humphreys 23 keelboat.  This gave Dad Stuart a great excuse for regular visits to the IOW to "ensure son Andrew benefited from his greater sailing experience!" (If you are reading this Andrew don't worry we know the truth!)  Dad Stuart therefore jumped at this opportunity and flew down especially for this 'once in a lifetime' race.

The course was in a clockwise direction round the Isle of Wight. It was a beat all the way to the Bembridge Buoy and then a reach, spinnaker broad reach & run to the Needles and then a hard beat back in a freshening easterly wind to the finish line at the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes.  The crew was Andrew Buchanan helm and skipper (well Dad let him think so), Dad Stuart, Roger Bee and Simon Judge (who had just flown in on leave from Sril Lanka)
Knowing Stuart, members will not be surprised to hear there were a few pints sunk in the pub that night when it was learnt that the appropriately named 'Haggis' from 'The Royal Tay Yacht Club' was the winner!  That must rank as RTYC's most prestigious win in 2012.

When one considers the fleet comprised mainly much larger, more expensive and no doubt some professionally crewed boats this was an excellent result and I am sure all RTYC Members join me in asking Stuart to convey our congratulations to all involved for a job very well done!

'Haggis' in action.