Weather ensures Kippford Week 2023 will go down as a week of contrasts
11.08.2023 - 07:37
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Kippford Week 2023 will go down in Solway Yacht Club history as a week of contrasts.
Unlike the dawn to dusk sunshine of 2022, Monday dawned grey and overcast with frequent rain showers and a forecast of strong winds. Another strong entry promised close racing, with many from far away, including a Flying Fifteen crew from the West Indies, entered under the Antigua Yacht Club burgee.
Following Cadet Week a fortnight earlier, there were also several cadet crews keen to take the next step up the competitive ladder.
Despite the forecast, the fleet launched on day one in comparatively calm conditions, so much so that sailing out against the flood tide wasn’t easy. With the committee boat anchored well south of Rough Island, the larger cruising yachts were first to start, heading out onto their course in the Solway.
The Flying Fifteen keelboats and racing dinghies followed in four fleets. As race one ended, the forecast that had been forecast could be seen with a heavy front of dark cloud moving up the Solway; the strong winds had arrived.
Race two started but quickly the fleet of safety boats were busy, mostly standing-by capsized boats but assisting where needed. By the end of the race most competitors had been for a swim following capsizes, but notably not most of the cadet crews who managed the conditions better than most. Sadly, there were a few broken masts and gear, but with spares and repairs ashore, only one boat was unable to compete on the following morning.
Day two began in sunshine and racing started in a light northerly, however, the fleet had hardly crossed the start when the wind changed direction to a southerly, catching several out, albeit briefly. More close racing and then unusually, the first of