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Tales From the Sea

Rob / 01.07.2004

After the race the race the yachts are gathered in and around the lock basin at Corpach. It’s a magnificent setting, at the end of the Caledonian Canal, below Neptune’s Staircase, with a sweeping view across Loch Linnhe to Fort William and Ben Nevis which rises up dramatically from the sea.

Tonight the after-race party takes place inside the basin on board the motor vessel Soutars Lass. It’s the first time the post-race gathering has taken place on the finish line as it’s never been possible to get a drinks license, but the Soutars Lass has a bar on board! It’s an innovation supported by local businesses in Fort William* - and a very popular one!

Every team will have their own stories of their adventures, successes and mishaps from the race, which will be told over drinks tonight at the party. Ryde Harriers always have a few stories to tell, and one which might grow in the telling is the broach they sustained when doing 15 knots after leaving Whitehaven. All was going well until Dave Downer thought the action looked impressive and asked to take a picture.

Pose .. smile for the camera … and lose control of the boat! In the ensuing mayhem the Spinnaker was only saved from disappearing into the distance at the expense of a few rope burns and Steve Cooper who was sitting peacefully on the heads, was propelled into the cabin in a state of undress and injured his pride. (The door had been taken off to save weight.)

If many more teams have stories like that it could be a good night!

(* Sponsored by The Crannog Concept, Fort William and The Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Centre, Ballachulish.)

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