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And the Boats Came In

Rob / 01.07.2004

The last boat to arrive at Corpach was Amicus at 03.46 on Thursday morning, and their finish summed up the difficulties of sailing on the race. They spent 4 hours during the night anchored beyond the Corran Narrows, unable to make it through into Loch Linnhe against the tide. Once they were in the wind picked up and they made quick progress up the loch, until the wind died for the last two miles, which it often does early morning and late evening. So they rowed to the final buoy, as so many boats have had to, before motoring in.

Dai Evans and David Staples set off up Ben Nevis, which was still wreathed in cloud and mist, but by the time they returned 7 hours later the sun had broken through at Corpach to shine on the finish line. All the competitors were up and about, 5girlsinaboat were on their way out of the loch, and Tactix was being winched out on a crane. So there was a large crowd to greet them on their return, including their enthusiastic support crew of 5 and all of the race officials. Even pleasure boats passing through the loch were applauding.

“Everything about the race has been magic,� said Ian Herbert. “The sailing has been great, and goose-winging up Loch Linnhe at 7 knots to arrive here was the high point, though we could have done without the rowing at the end. Mooring at Caernarfon at speed in the dark was a bit special too and so was completing the Scafell stage. I’m so pleased to be able to say I’ve done that.�

“We stopped off at the Wasdale Head Inn, there was no way I was going to pass by. They have their own brew and a pint of ‘Yewbarrow’ went down very well. I’ve now been on a boat with 4 G.P.’s and survived, and we said before we left we’d win ‘The Last Inn’ trophy – so we’ve achieved our aim!� Dai Evans was already looking ahead to his next running challenge. As soon as he’d crossed the line he said, “The Marathon des Sables is next!’

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