Hiltgund 2008 July Hiltgund at the Crinan Classic Boat Festival 2008 3rd - 7th July Crew aboard: Chris Perring, Andrew Sackett, Jeremy Jameson, Don Roberts & Lisa Locks Photos by Andrew Sackett

Day 0 (Thursday) AS & JJ arrived at Crinan at about 1630 and set about loading provisions, inflating the dinghy etc in rather wet conditions. Joined by CP at the Crinan Hotel as the weather improved markedly in time to watch the opening ceremony. This was enlivened by the Mid Argyll Pipe Band embarked in VIC32, the last puffer still fired by coal, playing as she entered the sea lock and basin of the canal.

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After a bit of milling about ashore, Hiltgund's crew repaired aboard for dinner.
Day 1 (Friday) The weather for racing was mixed, but definitely "above average for the West Coast". Hiltgund's race start was reasonable but not spectacular and lucky wind brought us to 2nd in the fleet of 16 Class One boats at the first mark.
We had a lovely sail in light winds up Loch Craignish with the cruising chute helping us along nicely. One yacht had an intimate connection with the bottom - luckily the tide was making.
We beat back down the Loch and finished at about 1530. Out corrected place was 8th - disappointing! There is some doubt about the correctness of our handicap. The crew was augmented by the arrival of Don Roberts after the race. We headed ashore for whisky tasting, served by naval midshipmen before returning aboard for dinner in glorious sunshine.
Day 2 (Saturday) Winds from the NE varying between Force 6 and light airs. A good race with a good mix of points of sail and suitable changes of foresail. A spectacular sight of the boats all keeping very much together at the first buoy. Hiltgund finished creditably in the middle of the fleet and anchored to watch Highland Games around the Sea Lock area. Typical Scottish weather drove us below for a late lunch at 14.30. Returned to mooring and went ashore in time to have drinks aboard Mikado with Michael Briggs before motoring over to Cairnbaan for dinner and showers. Back to Crinan for Ceilidh at the boat shed which was a convivial do - some of the crew got stuck in to the dancing until really rather late!!
Day 3 (Sunday) AS, JJ & DR went ashore to collect Lisa (guest helm for the race), check course and retrieve sailing gear which was inaccessible when AS got a lift back out to Hiltgund on Adix's tender late the evening before. Lisa duly came on board excited to be helming for the Ladies Race. With 5 on board, CP was able to direct operations without having to burn up to many hard worked for calories! The course was round several marks all in Loch Crinan. Conditions were good on the whole and a fresh breeze had us dipping the winches from time to time much to the delight of Lisa who grinned for most of the race!

After the race, AS moved a car to Ardfern while the rest of the crew brought Hiltgund round. The crew returned to Crinan for the Prize Giving ceremony which was a happy affair which reflected the three day's sailing and events - all in all a most enjoyable Regatta - very friendly and convivial.
	JJ & DR then departed to return to Edinburgh; CP & AS returned to Ardfern for drinks in the cockpit and a most splendid dinner at The Galley of Lorne. Returning to Hiltgund to tidy up some Port & Madeira, CP & AS reflected on the weekend and concluded that an excellent time had been had by all.

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