On Friday 19th June, 61 sailors representing 10 schools from throughout the region gathered at Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken for the 5 Castles Regatta. This is an open event attracting sailors and non-sailors from secondary schools across the region. Teams entered from Austin Friars, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Dumfries Academy, Dumfries High, Kirkcudbright, Lockerbie, St. Josephs College, and Wallace Hall.
The regatta is split into two parts with top class racing for experienced sailors on the one hand and on the other, a ‘taster’ section for those who might simply have a passion to try out several different water sports.
Weather conditions were good with wind speeds near perfect for the racing which took place throughout the day.
Racing began promptly at 10:00 after a short briefing by the 2015 Regatta Principal Jim Holland. Teams of three are split into two leagues and a punishing series of 26 races conducted to determine the top 4 teams to go into the knockout stage. The teams were all competing for the prestigious ‘Castle Loch Shield’ named after the original venue.
The racing was very keen throughout with some entertaining jousting and tactical manoeuvring at all race markers. Confusion arose on the Finish Boat at one point when all six boats crossed the line at almost dead heat distance. This was compounded by three collisions and all sorts of cries of protest. Luckily, there were additional race observers on hand to untangle events and judge the outcome.
Teams from Austin Friars, Dumfries Academy, Kirkcudbright Academy/Dumfries High combo and Castle Douglas High made it to the semi final knockout stage.
Meanwhile over at the Taster zone, dozens of non sailors were being put through their paces by a crack team of ‘Funstructors’ from Galloway Activity Centre. Kayaking, wobble boarding, Fun Boats and windsurfing all formed part of their action packed programme and hoots of laughter could be heard across Loch Ken.
Back at the racing and with the semi finals run it was Austin Friars and the combo team from Kirkcudbright Academy/Dumfries High who won through to race in the final. The course was extended by Stewart Biggar the Race Officer and after a superb start by both teams the race was on: The lead changed hands several times but despite a valiant attempt and some superb sailing by Austin Friars team captain Rebecca Bryant to hold off the opposition it was the firm resolve of Zak Holland, Finn Mitchell and John Rodger which eventually saw their team emerge as champions.
At Prize Giving it was Sophie Joseph from sponsors Common Thread Group, herself a past participant, who stepped in and had the honour of giving out the prizes as local councillor Finlay Carson was delayed in Edinburgh traffic.
The prize winners were:-
Gold Medalists:- Kirkcudbright Academy/Dumfries High School – Zak Holland, Finn Mitchell and John Rodger
Silver Medalists:- Austin Friars – Rebecca Bryant,Jack Wellings and Guy WellingsBronze Medalists:- Dumfries Academy – Hamish Williams, Huw Williams, Duncan Blandford
Spirit Trophy winners:- StJoseph’s College – Mary Griffin, Jordan Gallagher, Skye McGill, Ellen McMyn, Abby Cherry and Mairi Callaghan.
Regatta Principal Jim Holland declared the event a fantastic success and thanked the management teams from The Solway Yacht Club and Annandale Sailing Club along with the many volunteers who give their time to run the event on the day. He also heaped significant praise on Galloway Activity Centre for hosting the event and The Common Thread Group for their continuing sponsorship as well as Weesleekit who host the 5 Castles website at fivecastlesregatta.org.uk . His closing words were focussed upon encouraging more schools to enter and for those in authority to simplify the process by which pupils can take part.
