Pupils compete in schools’ regatta

Jul 3 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

MORE than 90 secondary school pupils from across Dumfries and Galloway and North Cumbria gathered at Loch Ken last Friday for the seventh annual inter-schools sailing regatta.

Organised by Annandale Sailing Club, in partnership with Solway Yacht Club and Galloway Activity Centre, this year’s team racing event attracted 12 teams from eight schools.

The teams of three competed in GAC’s identical single-man Pico dinghies in the main regatta, racing in numerous heats before the qualifiers battled it out in the semi-finals and finals.

Meanwhile the activity centre laid on taster sessions for novice sailors from the competing schools as well as Annan Academy, Moffat Primary, Eastriggs Primary and Dalry Secondary.

The four teams qualifying for the semi -finals were St Monica’s, Dalbeattie High School, Wallace Hall Academy and Lockerbie Academy.

After some tense competition and jostling for position, Lockerbie and Wallace Hall were left to tussle in the final.

After some excellent team racing, it was last year’s runners-up, Jessica Campbell, Fergus Barrie and John Beardon from Lockerbie, who eventually emerged victorious.

The event’s principal organiser Willie Patterson, of Annandale SC, said: “We could not have asked for better weather conditions. We had bright sunshine and a perfect breeze, great for racing and even better for the “tasters” who this year enjoyed the additional thrill of competing for the new “Spirit” trophy sponsored by The Common Thread Group.

“The event is now easily the largest of its kind in the south of Scotland/north of England and I am delighted so many youngsters had such a fantastic day.

“Many thanks to my management team, Lindsay Tosh, Mark Joseph, Dr Neil Kelly, Richard Hermon, Kieran Patterson and Duncan Greenhalgh, without whose help and encouragement this event would not be possible.

“Special mention also to Ian Braithwaite for running the taster section and many thanks to Annandale Sailing Club, Galloway Activity Centre and Solway Yacht Club all of whom provided additional help and equipment.”

To close the event, competitors enjoyed the centre’s Laser Quest and a barbecue.

Results: 1 (Gold Medallists and Castle Loch Shield winners) Lockerbie Academy, 2 (Silver Medallists) Wallacehall Academy, 3 (Bronze Medallists) Dalbeattie High School (A), 4 St. Monica’s, 5 Austin Friars, 6 Lime House, 7 Dalbeattie High School (B), 8 Dumfries High School, 9 Castle Douglas High School (A), 10 Douglas Ewart High School (A), 11 Castle Douglas High School (B), 12 Douglas Ewart High School (B). Spirit Trophy, presented by Julie Joseph of Common Thread, Douglas Ewart High School.