Opening Regatta

Beautiful colours greeted the sailors who braved post-typhoon conditions on Day 1 of the Opening Regatta. Not only was the sea a shimmering, luminescent green, but the sky was a brilliant blue with dazzling white clouds sweeping by and the wind blowing 18-20 knots from the east.

During preparations, race officer Alex Johnston raised the Y flag and told everyone to wear lifejackets. Marks were positioned for a windward / leeward course and, after a short delay, 14 boats – seven in IRC and seven in PHS – crossed the start line in the first of three races on Saturday, the 27th of September 2025.

Sailors were put to the test as races continued in quick succession. Three boats retired and Juice was OCS in the last start but, hey, as racing goes, what a day!

Day 2 (Sunday, the 28th) dawned overcast but winds were as strong as ever – 16 knots, gusting 20. An islands race was scheduled and, at 1100 and 1105, a total of 16 starters set off on Course 17. No need for a windward mark and the boats were soon passing Stanley and rounding Bluff Head for a club mark off Tai Tam and on to Shek O.

Having done the shorter course, first boat home was Glory. On handicap, though, Witchcraft emerged victorious in IRC 1 and Juice took the honours in IRC 2. Simplicity GS won the PHS A division and Skywalker, PHS B. To conclude an exhilarating weekend’s racing, a spirited prize-giving was held in the Harbour Room of the Aberdeen Boat Club.