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The opposite forecast from Forfar - for lots of wind, rain & cold, even so another great turnout of 17 Solos.
It was cold & wet but the wind was just not there, so racing commenced in typical Loch Ard light & fickle conditions.
Richard Bolton broke free from the pack in race1, and once in his own air extended his lead all the way to the finish. The next three places were very close, Barrie McLean was tooted for second but then failed to clear the committee boat and so had to reround to finish fourth, Kevan Gibb took second being just behind Barrie but able to finish cleanly, and Keith Milroy was third.
After a break, racing resumed in a more promising breeze and race2 went to two laps. The fleet was turned inside out a couple of times, with Gordon Tosh taking first place from Barrie second and Jim Allan third. Despite the now constant rain and miserable conditions Gordon was now in the groove and in race3 established a comfortable lead that he never looked like losing, although he was grateful when the race was shortened to a single lap! The rest of the fleet was very bunched up and places were changing right up to the line, with Jim coming second and Kevan third.
Overall Gordon achieved his first and well deserved traveller victory, and unusual nowadays to see the top three boats all wooden, built by Miles, Thresher & Severn respectively.
As always the folk at Loch Ard SC were very friendly, obliging and made the best of difficult racing conditions.
 1st Gordon Tosh #4212, Montrose;
2nd Kevan Gibb #4382, Largo Bay;
3rd James Allan #4237, Newburgh.
David Lumbard #4677(nearing completion)
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