After one final race in strong conditions, Eddie Batchelor’s Tsunami II came out on top ahead of five-time former champions SeaWord.
The final day brought tricky conditions, with the race committee fighting to lay a course in the strong tide on the Firth of Forth. One race was sailed with Tsunami II wrapping their regatta up with a bullet, followed closely by Watson’s Monarch and Rammie, helmed by Callum Calder.
The former helm, turned trimmer, on Tsunami II, Lewis Smith, said: “It’s been breeze on all week. It’s been really tough and hard work.”
When asked what the key to the team’s success was he said: “The crew work around the course was really important. Keeping the sails in the air and out of the water paid a lot, we managed to do that which was great.
“We also had Jimmy filling in for our owner Calum who unfortunately couldn’t make it. I think Jimmy was our wee good luck charm this event, he was great to have on board.”
It’s the team’s second title snatch after winning it in 2022 with the same core crew under the boat’s former name of Crhu.
Tsunami II glide into a gybe following the windward mark
Alongside Tsunami II’s win the prizegiving was also cause for celebrating the volunteers and their hard work. Margaret Tait, a long-standing member of Port Edgar Yacht Club and its race management team, was presented an RYA Scotland Impact Award.
Margaret Tait accepts here RYA Scotland Impact Award from Communications Officer Philippa Howie
Another title up for grabs was the top university boat. The award, a plate painted by host yacht club member Dale Sandercock, was won by Leeds University racing the 707 class association boat, Poimandres.
Rebecca Handley, bow onboard, said: “We didn’t come in with high expectations, so to be winning out of the uni boats feels great.”
“We can go back to uni and hopefully inspire some other people to come along next time and get involved. We’re really proud of ourselves.”
Leeds trimmer, Libby Murray went on to say: “It’s really great how welcoming it’s all been. We get to use the class boats which is obviously very useful. Overall, everyone’s happy to have us, it’s been great.”
Newly elected class chairman, Eddie Batchelor, said: “It’s been a fantastic event. Port Edgar Yacht Club and its team of volunteers have been working very hard behind the scenes to make this event a success, and it’s paid off.
“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to the far travelled teams from Yorkshire, Birmingham and Neyland. As well as the event sponsors, Stewart Brewing, Harken, Sail Doctor, Ethigen, Riggerous Rigging, Coast to Coast Rigging and Port Edgar Marina. Without them, the event would not be possible.”
The winning bowman went on to say: “Myself and the team from Tsunami II are looking forward to racing again in September for the 707 Sprints.”
The Sprint event is a staple in the 707 calendar, with teams enjoying tight, 20-minute races around short courses on the Forth.
The racing rewards good boat-on-boat tactics and efficient crew work. Entries are still open, and more information can be found on the Port Edgar Yacht Club website: https://peyc.org.uk/event/peycpew-707-sprints-event
707 National Champions: Tsunami II
Helm: Gillies Munro, tactics: Nick Kirk, trimmer: Lewis Smith, pit: Jimmy Cliff, bow: Eddie Batchelor.
Vice National Champions: Monarch
Helm: Kenny Watson, tactics: Mike Gomme, trimmer: Dave Philp, pit: Craig Rodgers, bow: Paddy Eves
Third Place: SeaWord
Helm: Andy Marshall, tactics: Hugh Watson, trimmer: Richard Higgins, pit: Nick Elder, bow: Dara O’Malley
Top University Team: Leeds University, Poimandres
Helm: Guy Bishop, tactics: Ted Gaukroger, trimmer: Libby Murray, pit: Nathan Fox, bow: Rebecca Handley