Welcome to the Clyde Cruising Club Racing Section Archive 2009. We've endeavoured to pull all the important bits together for posterity.
The 2009 season is, once again, packed with familiar races and the majority of events feature a social event after racing to allow you to get to know your fellow competitors better. A link is provided for the next event which will give the full Sailing Instructions and details of the social events.
Club racing is open all members, whether you are an experienced racer or if you have never tried racing before. We have a range of races which cater for all levels of experience, from short inshore races to overnight, offshore races
I look forward to seeing you all on the water and if you have any ideas or questions, please let me know.
Morag Machin
Race Events for Season 2009
This year’s CCC inshore championship begins with very popular "Bute Race Weekend" on the 25th and 26th April, which is sponsored by Wright Johnston and Mackenzie. Get your crew together for an early season shake down with this round the island race. Leaving Inverkip marina on the Saturday and sailing by the scenic route to Largs marina, this is a great way to get the boat and crew in fine form for the coming season. Saturday evening sees a social gathering in Largs Sailing Club with the Sunday set aside for two short races in Largs Bay.
Bute Race Weekend
Next up is the Opening Muster on the 2nd of May. The success of the last few years of this event from Inverkip to Rhu with a muster and social buffet at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club is being repeated. Due to great demand tickets can be reserved directly with Hazel at the Club Office at £15 each. A great occasion for Racers and Cruisers alike to get the winter out of their system and the season off to a great start. Discounted berthing has been arranged with Rhu Marina at £12 for any boat taking part in the event. Please note that the time for bacon butties at the RNLI station will be 10am and not as shown on the sailing instructions.
Opening Muster Directions
22nd to 25th May 2009 are the dates to set in your calendar, as an absolute must, for the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series held at Tarbert Loch Fyne. There will be a repeat of the Scottish Round The Islands Race which will be a prize worth winning and gives a special importance to the CYCA home based fleet who are critical to the future of Clyde racing. With inbound races from Ireland and the Clyde together with four days of great racing and social in Tarbert there is no better value regatta in the UK.
Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series Directions
On the 13th June the "Ladies and Juniors" race and fun weekend returns to Millport for another midgie free year at a sandy beach. You will have time to enjoy a muster and BBQ. Ladies and kids - get your own back on the guy that can usually be found shouting at the back of the boat!! Take charge for the day. Kids (and big kids) games on the Sunday with a bike ride round the island it all makes for a great weekend.
Ladies and Juniors Directions.
The 19 – 21st June is the Arran Trophy and Ailsa Craig Race Weekend Sponsored by Chard Construction in aid of the charity Action for Children. This two leg Saturday and Sunday double header makes for a fantastic and unforgettable racing weekend and has now confirmed its' place in the Clyde calendar. The Ailsa Craig race will start on the Friday evening from Inverkip Marina. Saturday’s race is from Inverkip round Little Cumbrae and back to Rothesay. A social event and mini prize giving will be held in a venue in Rothesay, which will be confirmed on the racing home page when finalised. Sunday’s race is a sprint from Rothesay to Inverkip; a fantastic weekend of sailing and social is again the forecast for this year event.
Ailsa and Arran Weekend Directions
25th – 27th June. The North Channel and Zigeuner Races see a return to Bangor; another great chance to test yourself on a race to Ireland. Go get a Guinness and race in company of the CCC Fleet. A perfect opportunity to stretch those offshore legs a bit. The social alone at Royal Ulster Yacht Club is worth the trip and once again the return home has been timed so that crews can get a renowned RUYC lunch before setting off. These races form part of the new CCC mini Offshore Championship.
North Channel Race Directions
17 – 20th July is the classic Tobermory Weekend including the Round the Mull Race. Sponsored by McIness Gardner Architects. The classic race to get to the Western Isles for the hols. This year’s first leg again has the option to sail round the Mull or for the family laden boat to traverse the canal. We hope there is more of a chance of getting through than last year! . This year, the 2nd leg start on the Monday will be from Loch Craignish with a social event in the planning at Ardfern so be sure to check the updated sailing directions below.
Tobermory race Directions
Once again, British Waterways are pleased to offer CCC members a 10% discount on passage licences for this event. In order to qualify for these discounts please read the
Tobermory Race Licence Info Page 2009 for details and applications may be made by completing the
Tobermory Race Licence Application 2009 form. More information on transiting the canal can be found at waterscape.com
16th and 17th August brings the Troon Race Weekend Sponsored by Yacht Havens, Scotts Bar and West Coast Marine The continuing success of this event makes the trip down the coast to Troon an absolute must for this year. With a drinks reception and a heated tent the fleet can enjoy a great night of entertainment thanks to the race sponsors. The race runs from Port Bannatyne to Troon. This event is shaping up to be an another "Not to be Missed" weekend. The Yacht Haven Group are again sponsoring a marquee, a drinks reception is being sponsored by Scotts Bar and Restaurant, West Coast Marine are again putting up their beautiful trophy. This race is an open race, which can be entered by members of any RYA affiliated club.
Troon Race Weekend Directions
On 5th of September the Colintraive Pursuit Race, again sponsored by Euroyachts. Last year saw the big boys turnout for this event only to be pipped by the evergreenLyrebird. A repeat of the destination with the race finish at Colintraive and a social event in the planning which will be announced on the CCC web site soon. It’s a great fun race with no spinnakers for any Class and no crowded start lines. Come and give it a try, this is racing with a difference.
Pursuit Race Directions
The 12th and 13th September are the dates for the GSS CCC North Clyde Regatta sponsored by Garelochhead Support Services. Two days of intensive racing with six races over two days and if you have the stamina a lively evening social. The fleet will be based out of Rhu Marina where a discounted berthing rate is being negotiated (£14) for any boat taking part in the event. The fleet will race within the East and West patch areas and is to be opened up to allow any class and fleet captains to approach the CCC and request a class start. There will be racing for IRC, CYCA, One Design and a passage race class for those wishing not to fly the kite. Both GSS and the CCC are looking forward to seeing you all at Rhu, make it a date.
CCC / GSS Regatta Directions
26th September then it must be the closing muster Rothesay-Tarbert Race. A big turnout always sees this race as a favourite way to end the season with our only race to Tarbert. Last year was one of the best sails of the season with fair winds and the elusive sunshine. This is the last chance for championship points and is always an exciting day. This year again the CCC extend a warm welcome to the members ofFairlie Yacht Club. This should be an end of season bash to remember.
Closing Muster Directions
It was great to see so many boats at Rothesay at the weekend, whether they took the scenic route round Ailsa Craig or the shorter route round Cumbrae. Seven boats set off on Friday night and 18 on Saturday morning. There was a good breeze for both races and there was time to enjoy the new surroundings of the Inner Harbour at Rothesay before the fantastic barbecue at the Winter Gardens, generously sponsored by Chard construction with all the proceeds going to Yorkhill Children's Hospital.

The wind was much lighter on Sunday for the return race to Kip, but the wind filled in and with the shortened course, all the boats were finished by 3 in the afternoon.

The next event is the popular North Channel Race to Bangor with the return race on the Saturday. I'm disappointed that I won't be joining you! Dinner is available at the Royal Ulster Yacht Club - a fantastic club who are always very welcoming to us. It would be wise to book your meal directly with the club. Their number is 02891465002. They will try to feed you if you haven't booked, but you may have a wait. The club has a strict no denim rule, but smart casual is fine. The Sailing Secretary, Peter Bullick, has asked that the first boat call him when they are about an hour away from Bangor to be sure that the finishing line is manned. His number is 07802537371. It would be great if you could all take your own times as well.
The offshore series will run again this year with sufficient mileage being attained for those yachts wishing to qualify for the ORC Fastnet and other ORC Offshore racing.
CCC Mini Offshore Championship 2009
This season the tradition of offshore racing by the CCC is firmly re established with a mini offshore series as detailed below.
| DATE | RACE | DISTANCE |
| 19 June | Ailsa Craig Race | 83 |
| 25 June | North Channel Race | 80 |
| 27 June | Zigeuner Trophy Race | 72 |
| 17 July | Round The Mull Race | 110 |
An Offshore Championship Series will be organised for each of the Classes 1 – 5 with the dual scoring Class 2 being shown in both IRC and CYCA standings. The Offshore championship will comprise of the above Club races. The scoring system will be applied as per the main championship with the exception of the number of races to count which will be taken as a yachts best three (3) races counting for points. (i.e. an allowance of one discard out of the four races available). The results for the Offshore Championship will be shown as separate from the Inshore Championship this year. Click on race results in the dropdown menu and the results page will open in a new window.
GENERAL AND SPECIAL REGULATION INFORMATION FILES
ISAF "Special Regulations" for all CCC Races
ISAF "Category 5 Appendix J" for all CCC Races
Class Structure for CCC Championship 2009
The CCC race committee have decided to retain the handicap banding system from last year. Below are the handicap band ranges, which will be used for racing 2009.
4.1 Yachts will race in the following classes:
Class 1 IRC ratings 0.999 and above
Class 2 IRC ratings 0.998 and below
& CYCA 11 – 14.75
Class 3 CYCA handicaps 15 and over
Class 4 Restricted Sail Class handicaps 0 – and over
CCC GSS Regatta 2009
The 12th and 13th September are the dates for the GSS CCC North Clyde Regatta sponsored by Garelochhead Support Services. Two days of intensive racing with six races over two days and if you have the stamina a lively evening social. The fleet will be based out of Rhu Marina where a discounted berthing rate has been negotiated (£14) for any boat taking part in the event. The fleet will race within the East and West patch areas and is to be opened up to allow any class and fleet captains to approach the CCC and request a class start. There will be racing for IRC, CYCA, One Design and a passage race class for those wishing not to fly the kite. Both GSS and the CCC are looking forward to seeing you all at Rhu, make it a date.
Please download the Notice of Race
GSS - CCC Regatta Notice of Race and
GSS-CCC Entry Form and get the entry form in to the CCC office.
Some images taken during the day on Saturday go to prove just what good racing can be like on the Clyde when the sun shines, the wind holds true and with a dedicated PRO and Race Management team.
Did everyone have a good time at the marquee on Saturday night? I SAID - DID EVERYONE HAVE A GOOD TIME AT THE MARQUEE ON SATURDAY NIGHT?
Jamie McGarry has already confirmed after the success of this years regatta that GSS will be back next year with support and sponsorship. Look forward to seeing you all there.

GSS sponsor's boat Grand Cru

Winner Class One IRC Argie Bargie

Enigma prior to Margaret Morrisons' 60th Birthday celebrations.
Celtic Spirit - Brian Robertson's well travelled X-332

Hops

Madog

Part of team Liaison who went on to win Class 3 and CYCA Overall

Rajah. Too much weight up front?

Ian Thompson did all he could to find a decent patch of wind on Sunday - but it just wasn't to be.
All images by Sheena Beaton
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
CCC GSS North Clyde Regatta Sailing Instructions 2009
CCC GSS Class 5 Course appendix
++++STOP PRESS++++
Friday night
Jamie McGarry of GSS has advised that he will be putting on a free bar in the very smart newly refurbished bar at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club where he hopes to see everyone, although we think that this may be a cunning plan to give Grand Cru a head start on the Saturday....
Saturday and Sunday
The forecast for the weekend is looking good and there is a fully packed social programme in store as well as some great racing. The tent is now up, the local shop will be doing breakfast in the tent from 8am on both days and they can also provide filled rolls which can be ordered in advance on 01436 821765. There is a barbeque on Saturday night with food by En Croute (back by popular demand!), dancing to the Raggle Taggle Gypsies, a firework display at 21:00 and a bar run by the Rhu Inn. Why would you be anywhere else?
A lot of boats turned up for what is traditionally one of the most popular races and musters in the Club's calendar. The weather turned out to be what was forecast, we saw a bit of sun now and then but mostly overcast and the wind blew in fits and starts as those of us who got caught in the big hole around Skate found out - and what were these wind shifts like?
We even had a full house of Flag Officers, although the Commodore's flag was spotted onFrench Connection. I suspect race stories have been done to death either at the pontoon party or in the Anchor Hotel and later into the night in the cockpit or down below when it got chilly.
The results can be found on the CCC Results Page but here are some photos that were taken on the day.

Start Rothesay

Animal

Argie Bargie

Enigma

French Connection

Mickey Finn IV

Polaris

Significant

From left: Siglet; Lemerac and Liaison
For full resolution pictures contact webmaster@clyde.org
Now that the racing is over it's time to remember about the photo and log competitions - get your entries in to both.