Sailability News

The latest news on and off the water

Scottish Challenger Traveller Events 2025
Series NumDateLocationEvent
T112 / 13 AprilCastle Semple
T210 / 11 MaySolway Yacht Club Scottish Open Challenger Championships (SOCC)
T324 /25 MayLochaber YC Fort William
T45 / 6 JulyBardowie CCDS
T52 / 3 AugustLoch Venachar Sailing Club
T623 / 24 AugustLoch Earn Sailing Club
Other Events
18 / 19 MayWigan & St Helens (WISH)Challenger Open
7 / 8 JuneOxford SCChallenger Class Association 45th Anniversary. Open Event
12 / 13 SeptRutland SCUK National Challenger Championship


 Hello Members and Supporters of Sailability Scotland SCIO.
I give notice of Sailability Scotland SCIO 2024 Annual General Meeting is to take place on Sunday 17 March at the pleasure of CCC in the clubhouse at Bardowie. To which you are all invited to attend.
More details will be sent out in the near future so please keep an eye on your emails - and respond.
Business will include the usual business however please will you consider the following important issues and bring your thoughts forward now for discussion at the meeting:
1. Election of 5 (five) Active Trustees from which a Chairperson, Treasurer and a Secretary must be elected.
2. Future of the Charity, which includes volunteers to run it and expansion of the activities.
3. Resolutions raised by Committee and any presented by members within the time limit so please act now.
Anyone with an interest in Sailability can attend - so please invite your friends and colleagues, however only paid-up Members can vote at the meeting - so if you wish to raise your hand please ensure you are a member join, it is only £15 and will include next year's membership, (details are on the website or contact Richard (Dik) Toulson our treasurer on treasurer@sailabilityscotland.org.uk .
Please reply to this message now with any point you want raising and with your intention or otherwise to attend the meeting.
Best regards
Duncan Greenhalgh
(Current Chairperson)   
Below is the final results table for our 2023 series as produced (using Sailwave) by Stephen Thomas Bate. Congratulations go to all who took part, with just 1 point between 2nd & 3rd and 4th, 5th & 6th tieing with final positions being decided by tie breaker rules it’s got to be said it was a pretty competitive season. Except Ofcourse for the ever young Duncan who beat us all by a mile. Can anyone close that gap this year?


It is a sad task today to inform you all that Ronnie Cameron peacefully passed away yesterday (4th December 2023) at the grand age of 93, after bravely fighting against ill health for some time.
Ronnie survived his wife Anna who he cared for during her later years suffering ill health. He was very thankful to members at Bardowie who would sit and care for Anna allowing Ronnie to get respite on the water. He is survived by his much-loved Daughter Rhona and Son Colin and Grandchildren Lucy and Catriona. It is much appreciated how the family supported Ronnie to allow him to continue sailing and at the same time assist all the other sailors.
Ronnie started sailing at Bardowie when he retired from work. Also taking up skiing and travelling to Alpine resorts to occupy his time during the winter months. Mr Action Man was very modest about his life and achievements; however, his big smile and gentle nature made him a very popular member at Bardowie and on the Challenger Traveller's circuit sailing solo and helping others sailing on a Buddy seat. His commitment to complete all the Scottish Traveller Events this year even sailing in conditions that kept some much younger people on the shore. His commitment was not confined to on the water, as can be seen from the photo below, he was particular about keeping his boat in good order, he prepared and painted his sponsons for the start of this year's events a task that would put most sailors off.Ronnie Camerons last sail

Update - Ronnie's funeral took place on Wednesday 20th December 1PM at Hurlet Crematorium, Glasgow Road, Glasgow, G53 7TH.

For the results of the Scottish Open Challenger Championship and a full report on the event as published in Yachts and Yachting, Please click here


Last weekend (5th & 6th August) saw the 5th out of 6th event for 2023 take place at Loch Venachar Sailing Club, near Callander. This was T5 and was also our Scottish Open Challenger Championship (SOCC) for 2023.
We had 13 entries, which is the largest Challenger fleet in Scotland for a number of years, with 4 English-based sailors attending.
Unfortunately, we were only able to race 3 out of the scheduled 5 races. These all took place on Saturday, with no racing on Sunday, due to a lack of wind. The wind eventually did arrive as we were packing up to go home, but it was 2 1/2 hours too late.
Our 2023 SOCC champion is our chairman, Duncan Greenhalgh
Congratulations go to Duncan.
For Full Result table click here

Thanks go to Hugh Campbell who sponsored the catering, prize-giving, and the commemorative booklet, and Sir Boyd Tunnock of Tunnocks for sponsorship, which subsidises the competitor's regatta entry fees.
Thanks also go to the members of Loch Venachar Sailing Club for assisting with dinghy assembly/disassembly, shore crew, safety boat crew, race management, and wonderful catering, which kept us in good spirits all weekend.
It was also great to see Paul Noble back racing a Challenger after a number of years away, and his very nice gesture of honouring one of our former members, Jamie, who sadly passed away last year.
Final thanks go to John McPartlin and Enid McPartlin for organising a wonderful event.
T3
Castle Semple SC
3rd & 4th June
Please enter using this Link
Notice of race



For the Results of our second event (At Monklands SC) and a full report on the event published in Yachts and Yachting, Please Click Here

T2
Monklands SC
Hillend Reservoir
13th & 14th May
Please enter using this link

Results of our first event of the 2023 regatta series.


For a full report on the event published in Yachts and Yachting, Please Click Here





Notice of Annual AGM

Date 25th March
Venue Monklands SC, Hillend reservoir, Caldercruix Airdre
Time From 10 am
Drinks and light lunch will be served

31st October 2022
Traveller Challenger Series and Regatta News
We held 5 traveller series regattas in 2022. Unfortunately, the last regatta that was due to be held at Bardowie (T6 Duncan’s Regatta) was, unfortunately cancelled a few days before the event was scheduled, due to excessive wind being forecast. Our understanding is that the Commodore of Bardowie made the decision to cancel on the grounds of safety for the sailors, committee, and support crew.

Congratulations go to Duncan Greenhalgh, who retained his championship this year. He has now won three consecutive championships (2019, 2021 and 2022). There was no event in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.N.B. 2 events must be completed to qualify as a valid entry in the final championship table.
It is an amazing result for Ronnie Cameron who finished in 2nd place overall. He is an absolute inspiration. He is 92 years young and still showing a clean pair of heals to the younger sailors. He always has a smile on his face and is as fit as a fiddle. We need to wrap PopeyeRon in cotton wool and hope that he sails forever.

FINAL RESULTS TABLE FOR 2022 BELOW

Final Results For 2023 Traveller Series

Sailor T1 T2 T3 T4 T6PointsPosition
Duncan Greenhalgh(4)311161
Ronnie Cameron653(7)5192
Dorothy Bennett818(DNC)564233
Alex Hodge718(DNC)2418(DNC)314
Stephen T Bate518(DNC)4518(DNC)325
Val Milward1118(DNC)18(DNC)18(DNC)386
Dave Driffell3218(DNC)18(DNC)18(DNC)417
Nick Bett2418(DNC)18(DNC)18(DNC)428

The following sailors also entered events (we had 17 competitors in total in 2023), and we hope to see them competing in 2023. These do not qualify for the overall series table, having only completed one event:
Arthur Black , John Hasler, Iain Hardy, Stephen Laycock, Hamish Loudon, Rory McKenna, John McPartlin , Craig Moffet, and Jules Whitestone.

Monday 10th October
Bad news I 'm afraid.  Our next regatta due to take place at Bardowie on Sat 15th and Sun 16th October has today been cancelled.  This is due to the forecasted winds for the weekend ranging from 20 to 40 knots.  This decision has been taken by the Bardowie team and the general opinion was that despite the possibility that the forecasted winds may moderate, sufficient time had to be given to sailors to cancel accommodation.  As an example I had booked into Premier Inn for 3 nights, If I had not cancelled today I would have lost £263. 
While very regrettable, judgements of this nature have to be made in light of the best intelligence available which in this case is the Meteorological Office. and take into account the safety of all on the water (other fleets/ safety boats as well as our selves).
1st & 2nd October 2022
After the excellent regatta held at Ogston SC in Derbyshire, here is the full report from Yachts and Yachting

The National Challenger Championship was held at Rutland SC over 3 days 23 -25 September. 20 Challengers took part!  A full report can be found by clicking this link to Yachts and Yachting. You can find some fabulous photo's of the event by clicking here and here
It has been confirmed that Bardowie SC are willing to host a replacement for our event (T5) which was cancelled. This event will take place on 15th and 16th October Please contact me asap with your intention or otherwise to compete in this event. entry form here
Best wishes
Steve L
Chairman
Article dated 23 /08/22
As a result of the T5 regatta which was scheduled for 13/14 August a new event at Bardowie has been scheduled for 15/16 October. Please complete your entry form here asap
Sunday 4th Sept
Race around the Isle of Shuna

After a week of balmy weather with temps in the high 20's we arrived at Craobh Haven on Friday to build boats in beautiful weather,  It was not to last, ... the forecast for Saturday and Sunday was heavy rain and winds gusting more than 30 knots.  The commodore asked if we were prepared to sail in such appalling conditions.  We decided to wait until the last minute before making a decision.  Saturday went true to forecast with a months worth of rain falling in the day, and it continued all night and into the race briefing at 09:00 when it was still "not fit to send the dog out".  But the forecast was now kinder with winds abating and rain stopping by start of race - scheduled for 10:30.  In full foul weather mode we were grateful for the fact that we had two dedicated rib's acting as safety boats (one provided by Clyde cruising SC) and the other (provided at no charge) by our own trustee Paul Moore.  As we launched (with ample help), the rain stopped and the sun came out!! Only 4 boats took part, Girl in a jacket Duncan, Dorothy, a new member, Allan, and myself.  We had our own start and true to form Duncan absolutely nailed it, not far behind was Allan and I made a very poor start to eventually start in 3rd.  Dorothy was someway behind me.  So with the 1st leg underway going anti clockwise around the islands 7 mile perimeter, Duncan had a clear lead with the 3 pursuers equally spaced some distance behind.  It was down wind but somehow I managed to catch and pass Allan - race on! The 2nd leg down Shuna straight was close hauled/tack, I believe Duncan was able to point high enough to avoid tacking, however the rest were not so lucky and as it became more and more lumpy the tack's got "interesting". I lost the tacking battle to Allan and ours was the only change in the challenger positions. After a close brush with the giant fish farm (the farm not the fish) we reached the final marker. The beat home was wonderful, I felt like an arrow just released from the bow and practically planing through the water I felt certain I would pass any boat in front.  Unfortunately we all benefited from the same wind and no one made any ground. Unsurprisingly then Duncan came home first challenger but also (as it was a pursuit race and no one managed to catch him) first boat home, Many congratulations to him! Alan 2nd, Steve L 3rd, and Dorothy 4th. Afterwards the prize giving was held in baking sunshine. Moral of the story seems to be never trust the weather forecast!
We had a fantastic time at Craobh Haven and were made most welcome. I personally fell in love with the area and will certainly be back
29 Aug 2022 SOCC results
It is a long way for most of us to travel to Fort William, sadly for the last scheduled event of the season some helms fell by the wayside (for varies reasons).  In the end only 4 travelled to this event but with local stalwart Hamish we managed to put 5 boats on the water.  Boats built on the Friday and Hamish made all sorts of derogatory noises about the challenger design as he 
"learnt the ropes", building it.  Saturday's forecast was for a max of 3 knots wind, true the morning saw us taking photos of reflections but after lunch the wind filled in and we managed a series of 4 races back to back.  All races saw competitive starts with different boats making the windward mark first, but class tells and Duncan was always in the lead by the 2nd mark.  Hamish chasing for all he was worth! Dorothy did well to come 3rd in the first race but then after a year out from sailing Steve L remembered how to sail and managed 3rd for the next 3 races. Ronnie came in a consistent 5th - I think he just enjoyed the trip! Full regatta (SOCC) results:-
Helm Boat Name Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Final Position
Duncan Greenhalgh White Knight 1 1 1 1 1
Hamish Louden Hot Scot 2 2 2 2 2
Stephen Laycock Great Scot 4 3 3 3 3
Dorothy Bennett Western Challenger 3 4 4 4 4
Ronnie Cameron The Glasgow Merchant 5 5 5 5 5
Scottish Open Challenger Championship (SOCC)
Our next event (T6 on our race schedule) will be held at Lochaber SC (Fort William) on 27th and 28th August.  You can download the NOR here and the SI here.  You can complete your entry form here (please enter asap) Entry Fee (£15) can be paid at venue or by bank transfer using Sort Code 83-25-15 and account number 14855764 the name on the account is Sailability Scotland and its a business current account. Lunch will be provided and venue will be open to accept visiting boats from lunchtime on 26th August.
Bardowie ("Duncans") Regatta Cancelled 
05/08/22
Unfortunately and with only 7 days notice our next regatta which was due to be held on 13th / 14th August has this afternoon been cancelled. I very much regret this short notice but it is totally outside my control. It has been suggested that the regatta could be held at a later date - possibly 15th and 16th October but that has yet to be confirmed.
Anyone that has accommodation booked in order they can take part in this regatta should cancel immediately
Click here for Results from T4 at Castle Semple


What a fantastic weekend. First and foremost, our thanks go out to Castle Semple SC who hosted this event at very short notice, and in particular to Race Officer Arthur Logan and Vice Commodore Jules Whitestone who not only hosted two of our sailors at her own home but also provided breakfast and lunch over the two days (with a little help from Jean Watson). The weather when we arrived on the Friday to build boats was pretty warm and as we built boats, we looked forward to the predicted two days of sun and breeze.
Saturday saw clear blue skies and soaring temperatures AND A BREEZE, great day for our regatta. Race officer Arthur Logan indicated he would like to run 2 races before and after lunch and possibly the same on Sunday giving us 8 races and two discards. A bit ambitious!
All on the water and at 11:22 the horn shouted out the 5 min warning. A light breeze saw the 8 competing boats cross the start line together with Duncan Greenhalgh (DG) having a great start with John Hasler(JH) chasing, Rory McKinna (RM) in contention. Although Rory is a highly respected and successful Hansa 303 sailor this was his first sail in a Challenger. The fleet had stretched out to cover two legs when the leader (DG) lost the wind, the rest of the fleet bunched up behind before also losing the wind and the tail ender caught everyone up like a steam train, but after eventually rounding the mark (DG) continued to stamp his authority on the race After two laps the positions had not changed much although Alex Hodge(AH) made up a lot of ground after a bad start to finish 4th. Position 2nd/3rd/4th all closely contested finishing within 9 seconds of each other.
Immediately the last person Ronnie Cameron(RC) crossed the finish line the 5 minute hoot was given to start the countdown for the next race. It shaped up into an overly competitive start which resulted in 4 boats over the line and a full recall. The restart was very confusing and resulted in some getting almost to the first mark before the rest set off. But the finishing positions were almost the same as the first race.
Lunch ashore provided jointly by Jules Whitstone (Vice Commodore) and Jean Watson (my better half). Sailors were not only provided with fab food but also sunscreen and umbrellas, it was hot out there!
Races 3 and 4 saw the breeze become a little more frisky (but multi directional) and (AH)&(RC) improve a bit with Dorothy Bennett(DB) and (JH) slipping a little.
At the end of the 1st day (DG) was in a clear lead with (RM) in a very creditable 2nd. Only 17 points separated the rest, so the regatta seemed to split in a leaders race and the lower order positions. Everyone had something to race for on day 2.
Day 2 saw the same temperatures (23 degrees Celsius) but only a light breeze. Only two races planned today to give everyone time for lunch/prize giving and packing up boats to take home.
With only enough breeze to enable the boats to cruise along the last two races were more dependent on skill. Perhaps the most exciting part was when, on the last race of the day (DG) crossed the start line 1st but then turned around due to a misunderstanding about flags not being lowered. This resulted in him crossing over the start line in 7th position. What followed was a lesson in skill as (DG) gradually overhauled almost the entire fleet over the two laps to finish 2nd.

18:15 on 1st July 2022
FANTASTIC NEWS
AT VERY SHORT NOTICE
CASTLE SEMPLE SC HAVE AGREED TO HOST OUR NEXT REGATTA ON 9TH and 10TH JULY
As most of you know, Our next regatta scheduled to take place at Monklands SC on 9/10 July has been cancelled due to lack of water. I am attempting to find an alternative venue and think I may have found one. Castle Semple SC will confirm by the end of this week (1st July) if they can host our regatta scheduled for 9/10 July. I appreciate that it gives us all a very short time to organise.
In order to gauge if the effort is worthwhile can anyone wanting to sail please let me know asap.
T3 Challenger Travellers Open Meeting 25/26 JUNE 2022
Challenger Travellers Series 3
At Loch Earn Sailing Club

The 3rd event of Sailability Scotland’s Challenger Travellers Series which is generously sponsored by Sir Boyd Tunnock CBE, took place last weekend on the 25th and 26th June 2022 at Loch Earn Sailing Club, where visitors arrived at a very friendly reception. Some competitors stayed on-site, and others took the option of local hostelries to enjoy the very Scottish picturesque and peaceful locality.
The weather forecast was a little vague with a wide wind velocity expectation of 10 to over 30 mph. However, the sailors were confident that the dinghy and themselves could cope, regardless of age and range of disabilities the competitors were faced with. That is until local knowledge advice warned of the south wind direction coming over and around the facing mountain to the clubhouse, which would play havoc with any thoughts of steady wind and champagne sailing conditions. There was also the question of if we could even manage to launch off the lee shore beach.
Undeterred, 5 visiting sailors and a home club sailor prepared and watched with trepidation as a Flying Fifteen was launched and made a very successful departing fetch from the launch site. With all helping hands to the beach, local volunteers and visiting support helpers rallied round and made the launching of 6 Challenger Trimaran dinghies look simple into the teeth of a very gusty and shifty 7-mile-long Loch Earn.
The very efficient Loch Earn Race Management Team somehow set a course, with the wind shifting around all the points of the compass. However, a clean start was made with the unusual 6-3-go traffic lights shore-based starting system, and we were led around the course by the rescue boat, which was otherwise redundant. Beats turned into planing reaches and then back to a beat. Without altering the course, the dinghy would tack and carry-on sailing without any helm action. These were very bizarre sailing conditions, with the wind varying from 0 to over 30mph in seconds, requiring 100% concentration to keep the dinghy moving efficiently in the right direction and preventing the bow from submarining during the huge gusts.
At the end of day one, experience showed, though with Duncan Greenhalgh and Alex Hodge taking the best results. However, there was an overnight tie for third place with Stephen Thomas Bate (a sprightly 56 and youngest of the fleet) and Ronnie Cameron (aged 92) on equal points with all to play for on Sunday. Local sailor, Craig Moffatt, was, unfortunately, unable to continue after race 1, otherwise, the final results might have taken on a different look. We shared a lovely Saturday evening meal in a local Inn, where all the shifts, vicious gusts and tactics were analysed in great detail amongst the exhilarated sailors.
Sunday dawned with bright sunshine, and with more east in the wind, promised steadier sailing conditions. However, the local forecast was predicting heavy rain to coincide with the starting schedule, and, true to form it arrived right on cue and remained for the rest of the day: well, it is Scotland, after all. The issue of launching was even more difficult with the wind gusting directly onto the launching beach. A plan was hatched, and all the dinghies were very efficiently dispatched for the last 2 races of the regatta.
Races 4 and 5 started with a different course; a long beat and a variety of reaching angles forming a figure of eight course. It was an excellent course, which challenged the competitors, keeping their minds off the driving rain and cold water.
Back on shore after the two final races, as expected experience showed with Duncan Greenhalgh and Alex Hodge taking the 2 top places. However, 3rd and 4th places required taking the race scores right to the final tie-breaking rule, with Ronnie 92 Cameron (yes 92 years young) taking 3rd and Stephen Thomas Bate 4th, and Dorothy Bennett taking a creditable 5th place, finishing all 5 races with a smile on her face. All the competitors where happy with their weekend performance and final results after some very close racing in extremely difficult conditions.
The weekend demonstrated age and disability is no barrier to preventing more people enjoy the diverse sport of sailing. Opportunity exists at your local sailing club/centre with or without any sailing experience, courses and RYA qualified instructors are available to teach you the ropes, obviously starting in more benign conditions. Further information and advice is also available on our regattas and where to find a suitable sailing venue from the Sailability Scotland SCIO website http://www.sailabilityscotland.org.uk/
 and Face book https://www.facebook.com/sailabilityscotlandcharity/
The club commodore congratulated all the sailors competing in such difficult conditions and invited the class to return again next year. All 5 visitors took away a prize and memento of the weekend. Thanks were given to the club and all the volunteers who enabled the event to take place and then the weary sailors made their way home for a well-deserved rest.
Report: Duncan Greenhalgh 29th June 2022




Class Sail no Club Helm Rating R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Total Position
Challenger 280 Bassenthwaite SC Duncan Greenhalgh 1173 1.0
 1.0 1.0 1.0 (7 DNF) 11.0 1.0
Challenger 116 Clyde Cruising Club Alex Hodge 1173 2.0 2.0 (7.0 DNF)
 2 1.0 14.0 2.0
Challenger 158 Clyde Cruising Club Ronnie Cameron 1173 4.0 3.0 3.0 (5.0) 2.0 17.0 3.0
Challenger 237 Annandale SC Stephen Thomas Bate 1173 3.0 (5.0) 2.0 4.0 3.0 17.0 4.0
Challenger 233 Clyde Cruising Club Dorothy Bennett 1173 (5.0) 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 20.0 5.0
Challenger 295 Loch Earn SC Craig Moffett 1173 (7.0 RET) 7.0
DNS
 7.0 DNS 7.0
DNS
 7.0
DNS
 35.0 6.0

I have just become aware of a Scottish organisation called "Anyone Can". They specialise in adventure holidays and according to their website can accommodate a very wide range of disabilities, including yachting!  If anyone would like more information here is the link to their web site
T2 Challenger Travellers Open Meeting 28/29 May 2022
Busy Weekend of Sailing at Kippford SYC
During the weekend of May 28th and 29th the Solway Yacht Club said that "They had one of the busiest and most rewarding series of sailing activities so far this season".
This award winning  club  hosted “T2 The Challenger Travelers Open Meeting”. Challenger sailing dinghies are single handed trimarans which are specifically designed to be sailed and raced by disabled and less mobile sailors.
Five competitors took part in four races during the weekend. The races were sailed around Rough Firth, the estuary of the river Urr as it flows out of Kippford. On each day an appropriate course was set by the Principal Race Officer, Chris Nurney. Light northwesterly winds veering to southwesterly on both days made for interesting tactical sailing by all concerned. On day one all competitors completed the first two lap race by crossing the finishing line within two minutes of each other. First to cross was Nick Bett followed by David Driffill, Duncan Greenhalgh, Val Millward and Ronald Cameron. The second race was equally competitive on this occasion being won by Val Millward followed by David Driffill, Nick Bett, Duncan Greenhalgh and Ronald Cameron. The first day was rounded off by an excellent buffet supper, provided by the Anchor Hotel, for all competitors, their helpers, and members of the Solway Yacht Club in Kippford Village Hall.
Racing on day two took part in similar relatively light wind conditions with race three being won by David Driffill followed by Val Millward, Duncan Greenhalgh, Nick Bett and Ronald Cameron. The final race was as tightly competitive as the others and was won by Duncan Greenhalgh, closely followed by Val Millward, Nick Bett, David Driffill and Ronald Cameron.
Afterwards, all results were totaled and the prizegiving, organized by the club Commodore, Scott Train, took place on the lawn of the Yacht Club pier. With equal points Val Millward and David Driffill could not even be separated by positions achieved, so it came down to the finishing position in the last race so in the end, Val was awarded 1st and Dave Driffill 2nd. Again both 3rd and 4th had scored just 7 points each with identical positions attained so again it came down to the finishing position in the last race. Duncan Greenhalgh was awarded 3rd and Nick Bett 4th. It really could not have been any closer!
 The very gallant 5th place was reserved for Ronnie Cameron who occasionally challenged for the lead but eventually and at 92 year old ended the regatta with a very consistent performance coming in at 5th place.

Class Sail no Club Helm Rating R1 R2 R3 R4 Total Nett
Challenger 312 Rutland Val Milward 1173 (4.0) 1.0 2.0 2.0 9.0 5.0
Challenger 275 Ogston SC David Driffill 1173 2.0 2.0 1.0 (4.0) 9.0 5.0
Challenger 280 Bassenthwaite SC Duncan Greenhalgh 1173 3.0 (4.0) 3.0 1.0 11.0 7.0
Challenger 261 Rutland SC Nick Bett 1173 1.0 3.0 (4.0) 3.0 11.0 7.0
Challenger 158 CCC Ronald Cameron 1173 (5.0) 5.0 5.0 5.0 20.0 15.0

2022
Our first Regatta of the season was held at
Loch Venachar SC on 23rd 24th April
But before the event we had an on the water training day hosted by Val Milward. As most will know, Val is one of the top challenger sailors in the country and we were lucky to have her travel up from Rutland to brush of our cobwebs before racing started.  The day was very windy, white horses all day. However after a short classroom session all our fleet put out onto the water to practice sailing backwards under control.  To be honest given the wind, sailing backwards was easy, staying in control less so!
So we came to the racing, (A full 54 minute video can be found here) Given that the 3 English sailors had sailed right through the winter it was not that surprising that they came out on top, what was perhaps surprising was that Val did not have things all her own way and we were treated to a battle royal between her and Nick Bett, it came down to the last race and even then there was less than a boat length in it. Val won the regatta by just 1 point.  Worthy 3rd and 4th were Duncan Greenhalgh and Dave Driffell who were also nip and tuck right through the two days sailing.  STB performed consistently coming in 5th in every race, Dorothy, Ronnie, Alec and John McPartlin had a battle royal swapping places throughout.  Special mention must be made of Ronnie Cameron who, the week before the event celebrated his 92nd Birthday, we had an appropriately iced cake (shaped like a Challenger and iced by his son Colin).  Ronnie blew out the 1 candle we could find!
Full results can be found here
T2 our second event of the season will be taking place at SYC Kippford  NOR is now available to download here
Our first event of the season is fast approaching.  Traveller event 1 (T!) will take place at Loch Venachar on the 23rd and 24th April, please ensure that if you are taking part you can download the NOR register and pay your entry fees, Pay Now
2022
Sailability Scotland 
SCIO will hold its 6th AGM on Sunday, 03rd April, 2022 at Monklands Sailing Club, Hillend Loch, Caldercruix, Airdrie. ML6 7PJ. 10:00.
Agenda

21st and 22nd August T3 at Lochaber (Fort William)
Stunning location fabulous sunshine but somewhat lacking in wind!
Because this event was the 3rd and possibly the last event Sailability will be sponsoring this year (Sponsorship funds provided by Sir Boyd Tunnock OBE) as a result of covid restrictions, there was a certain feeling of “Grand Finale” about it. Fort William is a long trek for most of our sailors, but it is such a beautiful venue the trip did not deter our Challenger sailors!
We all arrived mid-afternoon on the Friday to glorious weather and this made the job of getting the boats of the trailers and made up so much easier, many thanks go to Duncan a Lochaber stalwart who was on “boat building duty” for helping!
Day 1. A day of two halves!
Forecast was wind 2/3 knots gusting 5/6 with some light drizzle. 1st race scheduled to start at 11am. This was delayed as no wind and incoming tide ment we would have been floating backwards!
But as lunch was about to be served the Commodore “Hamish” sent Steve Laycock out to “test the wind”. Enough to make head way ment the racing could commence, and the rest of the boats launched.
Race one saw a reasonable start, but Duncan got away and never looked like being caught.
The closest racing was at the back of the field between Ronnie Cameron and Stephen Laycock who jostled and changed position throughout the race with SL eventually coming out ahead. Lunch was served with the finest “Cullen skink soup” I have ever had along with rolls and cakes, we were all well repleted! During lunch the heavens opened, and it poured, but we launched for races 2&3 in dry conditions with a freshening wind. The start saw Duncan impeded on the start but still managing to make the first mark by some margin. The rain started to get quite heavy, and we raced in increasingly choppy conditions. At the end of the race, we were all surprised by the strength of the wind which turned us all into high-speed power boats for 10 minutes! Race 3 got underway with a clean start and with high winds and a large swell was the most “interesting” race of the day. SL had his best start but eventually lost his 2nd place to John McPartlin who despite the conditions sailed exceptionally well. Ann Ritchie’s skills were put to the test but her poor start ment SL was just able to hold her off at the finish line!
Day 2. Yesterday’s forecast of little to no wind proved to be so wrong we held out hope that it would be wrong again but with wind speed forecast to just 1 knot gusting to 2 knots the odds were stacked against us. First race was scheduled to start at 10:30 but no point launching to just “bob about”! I was asked to launch at about midday to “test the wind” (someone referred to me as being the crash test dummy”)!! But whilst I could just maintain position, I could make no headway against the tide. We adjourned “wind watch” and had another super lunch. After another hour or so Hamish abandoned all hope and arranged prize giving based on the positions after Saturday’s 3 races. Sod’s law, shortly after prize giving the wind filled in and great sailing would have been possible, ah well. Boats broken down and put back on trailers and our goodbyes said to our hosts Hamish and his team of helpers. Thanks, so much guys and we’ll definitely be back next year, can we book some wind?
Result was
1st Duncan Greenhalgh. 2nd John McPartlin. 3rd Ann Ritchie

A major annual event in the South of Scotland is "Kippford Week" held this year from 7th to the 13th August.  The venue is tidal and once reached the sailing area is simply stunning.  This year two challengers took part in this open event, (which unfortunately was curtailed by 3 days due to high winds making sailing dangerous). Our two Challenger heroes were Duncan Greenhalgh and Stephen Thomas Bate.  I say hero's because they produced some remarkable perfomances, and despite competing against some very experienced and local sailors who sailed in GP14's, Laser's, Solo's, Firefly's, Wanderer etc still managed to do the class proud by coming 1st and 3rd!!  Congratulations fella's  Full results can be found at "Kippford week results"
Click here for full Full Yachts and Yachting report
T2 at Loch Venachar 31st July / 1st August 2021
This was only our 2nd event of the year due to covid restrictions and it was great to see faces not seen for 2 years or more. We were blessed with sunshine and dry conditions for the entire weekend although the wind wasn’t up to much on the Saturday with boats being given places on the water as unable to reach the finish line due to lack of wind. 
 3 races held on the Saturday 7 boats competing in each race. From a personal perspective the boats looked fab with their new sails in the sunshine being mirrored in the Loch, my view was mostly from the back as the boats sailed away from me! Lack of practice is my only excuse as I tried really hard! It was good to see Ronnie Cameron sailing again, he must surely be our oldest competitor at 92!  His advanced years certainly did not stop him from being competitive (he beat me a couple of times)! Another face not seen in quiet a while was Ann Ritchie, an accomplished sailor who was consistent throughout and sailed a storming last race to become the only sailor to deprive Duncan Greenhalgh of a clean sweep of 1st places! The last race was of particular note (at one point Ann and I were neck and neck) but she managed to not only pull away from me but passed every other boat on the water to finally overhaul Duncan just before the finish line. Duncan who had led throughout and had built up a big lead had been going noticeably slower. It turned out he had left the bung out of his main hull and had been gradually sinking throughout the entire race. He retired just before the boat became so heavy it was unsailable (I don’t think it would have actually sunk!)
My thanks go to the organisers of the event especially to John McPartlin who did much of the pre race prep and to the commodore and his committee along with the shore support and the safety boat crews. For full results go to 2021 Regattas

Scottish Open Challenger Championship 2021 was held at SYC Kippford (Dumfries and Galloway) on 10th & 11th July.  Video created by Lindsay Tosh who apologises for slightly jerky presentation, its a new drone! (looks fab to me!)  Viewers should note that launching at Kippford entails going into an incoming tide of about 3 or 4 knts.  The wind was 3 to 5 knots so progress against the tide was very slow, all boats were eventually towed to the start line where because of its more open nature was slightly more windy!.

You Tube Video



20 April 2021
Update on Monklands Sailing Centre
After my visit to Monklands yesterday I am sad to report that the work being done by the river and canal authority on the dam is not scheduled to be completed until the end of the year. This means the water level remains low, so low in fact that it is extremely difficult to launch a boat from the concrete slipway as the water does not reach it. The area in front of the slip way is still deep silt despite some 100 ton being removed back in October last year. Consequently and due to the lack of sailing, membership is diminishing and funds for improvement of facilities are almost non existent.
There is a proposal to drive a new hard core road to a new launch site within the clubs premises just 30 metre or so to the right of the existing slipway. Ideally a road in and a road out along with parking for a number of trolleys would be created. This would give access to a gravel shore and a launching area which is silt free.
Monklands is an excellent stretch of water in desperate need of funds to breath life back into the club. Any and all avenues to raise funds to enable this to happen will be explored. Any suggestions will be considered.
13th April 2021
I am sad to report I have received the resignation letter from our newly appointed trustee and secretary Jim Donaldson. Jim cites health reasons and we wish him well.  He intends to continue with sailing and will continue his active interest in Sailability Scotland.  As a result of this we are now short of a secretary and would appreciate any volunteer coming forward.  This is not an onerous role and as much support as possible will be given to the new incumbent. Please address any inquiry to myself in the first instance: chairman@sailabilityscotland.org.uk
Further to our recent AGM the following change was made to the charities constitution.  This change is 
Jim Donaldson of Fife Sailability has asked me to promote his fund raising effort.  Jim has set himself the challenge of cycling 300 mile in the month of March to raise funds for Cancer research.  Follow this link for details of Jim's progress and if you wish to support him.
This years AGM will be held via zoom on Saturday 20th March at 14:30
All members will be emailed a link closer to the time, we look forward to "seeing you all again even if it is only virtually.
14th Feb 2021
Unfortunately the committee has received the resignation letter from our secretary Neil MacDougall. Neil will perform his final duties as secretary at our forth coming AGM ( notification to members with further details of the AGM will be sent out under separate cover shortly).
Neil has been with us for two years and his knowledge and experience has made him a highly valued member of the committee. He will be missed. His departure will open up the position of secretary on the committee ( all office holders need to be re elected at AGM ). If anybody feels they can make a positive contribution I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know. Treasurer@sailabilityscotland.org.uk
I would be more than happy to hear from you!
This year has been a nightmare for all of us and we still do not know when it will end. With the absence of sailing we have not had an opportunity to meet up for nearly a year. Because of this there is a proposal that membership fees for next year will be set at zero as no sailing occurred in 2020. ( to be voted on at AGM)
Time moves on and we all get a little older, can I ask all members to respond to this post and indicate if they wish to continue their membership from April when present membership expires?
I have to be honest, there is a strong possibility that the charity may fold if membership falls away or if no one steps up to replace Neil on the committee.
Sincerely
Steve Laycock
Treasurer

11th February 2021
Sadly this years chance to join in the multi class regatta at Weymouth has been lost. 🙁 
RYA Sailability

It is with considerable regret that we have to advise that the 2021 RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta, due to be held at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy between the 11 - 13 June 2021, is being cancelled. This has been a difficult decision but we believe is the right one in the current climate of uncertainty. We will be focussing our energies into a number of alternatives that we hope will have an impct on restarting and rebuilding Sailability post pandemic. Part of this will be to engage with sailors, class associations and venues to ensure that this alternative activity supports those sailors who we know get so much from attending the Multiclass Regatta every year. Watch this space to find out more about what we are planning.
Jim Donaldson of Fife Sailability has asked me to promote his fund raising effort.  Jim has set himself the challenge of cycling 300 mile in the month of March to raise funds for Cancer research.  Follow this link for details of Jim's progress and if you wish to support him.

 Latest news as at 23/08/2020
Challenger Open to be held at Ogston water on 3rd - 4th October
I have today been informed by Dave Driffell of Ogston that this event has been Cancelled
 due to additional logistics and risks associated with Covid-19
He wanted to pass on his good wishes to all Scottish Challenger sailors and hopes to see us next year! Thanks Dave!
 Latest news as at 10/08/2020
Round Shuna setting off from Croab Haven on 29th - 30th August will be going ahead on a limited basis. Unfortunatly due to safety boat cover issues and covid 19 safety issues the challengers will not be participating this year
For us then, it has been Cancelled
 Latest news as at 23/05/2020
RYA Multiclass Regatta due to be held at Rutland on 31st July through to 2nd August
has been Cancelled
 due to Advice from RYA. "It is clear to me that the event could only be organised when we are in a 'new normal' phase of activity, rather than the first tentative steps in a return to boating. Despite all the guidance from Government in the last week there are still too many unknowns about the situation in August for us to realistically organise an event of this scale. Most importantly, even if we could run it, a significant number would feel excluded, or may feel pressure to attend whatever the impact. So I don't think it can be an event for the whole community." Joff McGill Sailability Manager RYA
Latest News as at 19/05/2020
The Round Shuna Pursuit race scheduled for 29th - 30th August has not yet been cancelled. A decision to hold the event or not will be made in early July. This should give intended participants to either book or cancel accommodation!
Latest News as at 18/05/2020
Scottish Challenger Open scheduled to take place 15th - 16th August at Bardowie (T5) Postponed/Cancelled.
We will try to reinstate this event if at all possible, venue may change.
 Latest news as at 15/05/2020
Reluctantly the Challenger Class Association have bowed to the inevitable and the Ruby Regatta is POSTPONED (note: postponed not cancelled) until 2021 ☹️ No date has been fixed but the intention is that we will SAFELY gather at Oxford Sailing Club for a fun-filled weekend to celebrate 40 years of Challenger sailing 😊
   Latest news as at 04/04/2020
Scotish Challenger Open ( T4) at Loch Venachar SC
has been Cancelled
 due to Government advice amid concerns for public health.
Latest news as at 21/03/2020
Scottish Open Challenger Championship (SOCC) scheduled to take place on 6th-7th June at SYC (Kippford)
has been Cancelled
 due to Government advice amid concerns for public health.
Latest news as at 20/03/2020
Challenger Class Association UK have just informed us that
The following events have been cancelled:
    Burghfield (Challenger Open) 8th and 9th May
    Grafham (Challenger Open) 27th and 28th June
More events may be cancelled pending Government/RYA advice
T2 Latest news as at 19/03/2020
T2 Due to be held on 4th - 5th April at Castle Semple has been postponed - (possibly cancelled) on the advice of the RYA. Castle Semple have indicated they would consider hosting this event later in the year dependent on the Coronavirus situation.
T1 Latest news as at 18/03/2020
We have been unable to locate a suitable alternative to Monklands for T1. It is with regret that this event has been postponed/canceled. The situation will be kept under constant revue and any further developments will be posted here.
Monkland SC T1 Latest news as at 10/03/2020
Due to adverse conditions underfoot at Monklands SC due to the wet weather, the Committee have thought it prudent to relocate this event. As yet no firm substitute club can be confirmed. As soon as alternative venue is confirmed the Diary will be updated.

Whats Going On?

14th Feb 2021
Unfortunately the committee has received the resignation letter from our secretary Neil MacDougall. Neil will perform his final duties as secretary at our forth coming AGM ( notification to members with further details of the AGM will be sent out under separate cover shortly).
Neil has been with us for two years and his knowledge and experience has made him a highly valued member of the committee. He will be missed. His departure will open up the position of secretary on the committee ( all office holders need to be re elected at AGM ). If anybody feels they can make a positive contribution I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know. Treasurer@sailabilityscotland.org.uk
I would be more than happy to hear from you!
This year has been a nightmare for all of us and we still do not know when it will end. With the absence of sailing we have not had an opportunity to meet up for nearly a year. Because of this there is a proposal that membership fees for next year will be set at zero as no sailing occurred in 2020. ( to be voted on at AGM)
Time moves on and we all get a little older, can I ask all members to respond to this post and indicate if they wish to continue their membership from April when present membership expires?
I have to be honest, there is a strong possibility that the charity may fold if membership falls away or if no one steps up to replace Neil on the committee.
Sincerely
Steve Laycock
Treasurer

Your executive committee once elected will serve for upto 4 years. After this they may seek re-election. At the AGM in March 2020 your Chairman and Secretary are due to retire 
If you have a vision,
If you have a little spare time,
if you have an interest in sailing or would like to become involved  contact: Chairman@sailabilityscotland.org.uk
We are looking for volunteers to help continue Sailability Scotlands work and success,

In 2020 we will arrange 6 regattas as well as international events and fun sails.  These events have in the past been solely for Challenger trimarans but this year we also hope to involve Hansa sailors For details see Diary 

Monklands project will continue to be developed and with new infrastructure in place will become a central attraction for Disabled Sailing in Scotland.  Sailability members enjoy free boat storage at this secure site. More on Monklands 
After the exec meeting at Monklands on 26th Jan 2020 we learnt that a new road is planned to be constructed to gain access to a second (existing) slipway.  This will mean access to the water even when water levels drop!  Also the club house facilities are continuing to progress and we were assured the access to th disabled entry access ramp will be tidied up and concreted before the first Traveler of 2020

Last year (2019) 8 Challengers travelled to Craobh Haven to take part in the 7 mile sea race around the Isle of Shuna.  As this year (2020) is the 40th anniversary of the very first Challenger to be produced we hope that many more boats will participate in this years event AND by obtaining sponsorship use it as a means to raise funds for the Charity Click here to download sponsorship form

Sailability Scotland

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Jim Donaldson of Fife Sailability has asked me to promote his fund raising effort.  Jim has set himself the challenge of cycling 300 mile in the month of March to raise funds for Cancer research.  Follow this link for details of Jim's progress and if you wish to support him.