This year's event commenced with a two-day training weekend for around 34 boats. The coaching aims to improve skills for the experienced racers and introduce race skills to the less experienced sailors, some of whom were competing for their first time. The weekend aims to prepare them for the Brown Cup event held on Monday. As in previous years, the coaching staff consisted of RYA-certified coaches or instructors, with several former Brown Cup competitors. Despite the gale-force winds, the coaches managed a day of onshore coaching on Saturday, followed by some superb strong wind sailing for all on Sunday.
Brown Cup Event ran a cafe for three days, with evening meals served in the clubhouse on Saturday and Sunday evenings. The catering was a huge success; well done to all involved.
Monday morning saw a further 28 Competitors register for race day resulting in a fleet of 62 boats representing Schools throughout Scotland.
Thankfully the weather conditions eased for Monday with 15mph winds from West South-West. The race team ran two excellent races before a 20 knot + squall came through, resulting in the end of racing for the day.
The Brown Cup is awarded to the top team of three boats, and there are three fleets; Optimist, Topper, and General handicap. This year the event saw 10 Optimists, 29 Toppers, and 23 General handicap boats compete. 4 and 4 Primary School Sailors. 14 School teams competed for the Brown Cup.
A huge congratulations to the High School of Dundee, who retained the Brown Cup
A massive thank you to our sponsor Optos who is providing sponsorship for the next three years. More on Optos here.
All competitors were given a branded race bib as part of their entry, and prizes were awarded throughout the weekend.
Spot prizes for effort and enthusiasm, and sometimes just for getting back on the water after boat equipment failures such as a broken mast or a broken daggerboard!
