KATHY MANSFIELD JAMES HAMILTON
CLASSIC BOAT AUGUST 2016 15SAIL CALEDONIA 2016
Atlantic to the North Sea by dinghy
There would be dire tourist overcrowding in Scotland if late May/early June
2016 became the norm – day after day of blue skies, sunshine, fair winds and
scenery to rival anywhere in the world, reports Kathy Mansfield. A group of
intrepid small boats set out from Fort William, up the famous Neptune
Staircase, to traverse the three lochs and intervening canals of the Caledonian
Canal in a spirit of friendly challenge using just sail and oar, and leavened by
stimulating company, live music, a ceilidh and good food. It’s a race from the
Atlantic to the North Sea, from Loch Linnhe to Inverness’ Beauly Firth, and it’s
surely the pinnacle of the small boat raids that traverse a special sea or inland
area. The winning boat was a newly built, extended Swampscott dory sailed
by Jim Wise. Next year’s dates are 27 May – 3 June.MEDWAY BARGE MATCH
Sprit-sailed speed
The venerable Thames barges started their season with
the Medway Match in late May, first of a series of east
coast races that are among the longest-held sporting
events in the world. Lady of the Lea went aground on
the small island of Darnet soon after the start off
Gillingham Pier. The attendant tug Nipashore soon had
her free but she withdrew for the race. Winners of the
match were: Cambria (coasting class), Niagara (staysail
class) and Edme (bowsprit class). Next up, in the series
of nine this year, is the Thames match in late June.Pilgrim
1895CLARE MCCOMBBrixham trawler
The 1895-built Brixham trawler Pilgrim
(BM45) might be the oldest surviving
of her type at 121 years old, but she's
seen here leading Vigilance (of 1926)
on her way to winning her class at the
recent Brixham Heritage Sailing
Regatta. The 74ft (22.6m) vessel
benefited from a £1.1 million, 14-year-
long restoration that won her our
'2014 Restoration of the Year' award
for vessels over 40ft (12.2m).