Sailing: Hamish Mackay's J97 has class lead after testing weekend

In IRC Class 4 at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, Forth-based Hamish Mackay and the crew of Jackaroo remain one of the most consistent class leaders among the nine classes racing on Loch Fyne over the weekend event which began on Friday and concludes today.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th May 2011, 16:42 BST

Updated 30th May 2011, 01:53 BST

With winds to 45 knots yesterday, there were many boats choosing not to race and an equal number did not manage to complete their races.

Twice the winner of the overall top award, Mackay and crew of the American-designed J97 scored a first on Saturday and a second yesterday to lead their class by nine points.

The conditions have so far got the better of John Corson and the crew of the Corby 33, which won the overall Scottish Series Trophy last year. The defending champions could only manage a second and seventh from the weekend's two races, but the Clyde crew still top their 18-boat fleet by two points ahead of Lake District sailmaker Steve Goacher on the A35 Acrewed Interest.

In IRC Class 1, an unexpected swim for skipper-helm Charles Frize meant the end of racing yesterday for his Mills 36 Prime Suspect. When they spiralled downwind out of control, nosediving spectacularly, Frize was thrown from the helm.

In the cruiser divisions, heavyweight Valhalla of Ashton revelled in the conditions. Alan Dunnet and his crew had to settle for second but with two firsts and their second gun, they are still some of the event's outstanding performers.

Two races are scheduled for today, if more moderate breezes arrive as forecast.