The passage across the North Channel from Belfast Lough to the Clyde for the 2021 Scottish Series was undoubtedly a worthwhile one for John Minnis in the Beneteau First 31.7 Final Call from Royal Ulster Yacht Club.
Racing at Inverkip in frustratingly light conditions and despite having to forgo the last race, two firsts and two seconds were enough by a comfortable four-point margin to take the first slot ahead of the Extrovert 22 Lady Ex.
In the same class, John Harrington's IMX 38 from the same club skippered by Ruan O' Tiarnaigh came fourth on equal points - 13 - with the quarter tonner Phoenix.
In Class 2, Shaun Douglas's First 40 .7 Game Changer, from Ballyholme Yacht Club, also on Belfast Lough, finished 5th in the nine boat Class 2 fleet racing in the Largs sector. His best result was a second place.
In the same fleet, Stuart Cranston's Ker 32 Hijacker tumbled to the bottom with a retiral resulting in three DNCs, in sharp contrast to its 2019 performance when the Strangford Lough entry from Down Cruising Club put in an enviable performance.
Commenting after the event John Minnis said, "It was fabulous that the Clyde Cruising Club was able to run the racing. Despite the trials Covid restrictions presented, it was run amazingly well."
Results are here
