This years May Island Race forms part of the FYCA Forth Offshore Series, Division 1. Although part of the series for Division 1 boats, it is open to any boat that can meet the safety requirements.

The Sailing Instructions are now available at the Downloads page.

This popular dinghy series takes place from 5th to 7th May and is again sponsored by James Gibb Property Management, to whom we are grateful for their continued support.

Racing takes place over three evenings, with two races each evening. The Notice of Race is available at the Downloads page.

Our series of winter talks starts on Wednesday 17th February  all at 7.30pm at the Clubhouse.

Wednesday 17th February
History of Granton

Wednesday 3rd March
The Northern Lighthouse Board

Wednesday 10th March
The Police Marine Unit

Wednesday 17th March
John Highcock from Saturn Sails

SATURDAY 27th March
The RAF contribution to UK SAR including helicopter rescue techniques

Wednesday 14th April
RNLI talk

The series finished today with three races sailed in conditions that ranged from 3 knots of wind, to 30 knots at times.

Seven boats took part and despite the warnings of strong winds, the first race had to be shortened because of a lack of it. The 707 Cacciatore, was leading the fleet on the downwind leg until in their excitement, although they say it was because they were so busy concentrating on keeping the boat going, they sailed through the start/finish gate, which is not allowed. This meant they had not sailed the proper course and were forced to retire.

Within ten minutes of race one finishing, the wind was up to over 20 knots for the start of race two. The strong wind, now gusting to 30 knots at times, meant that most of the fleet were planing under spinnaker. Later in the bar, there were stories of crew members being washed the length of the boat when taking water over the bow. On one particular boat, the skipper decided that November was a good time to go swimming in the Forth, luckily he was back aboard almost as quickly as he had left.

Race three again had a fair amount of wind and the race officer decided to shorten, much to the delight of most skippers and crew. The Overall results for the series are available on the Downloads page.

In what must surely be a record for this season, all the races, eighteen in the series, were sailed. Thanks to all those that took part and a special thanks to those club members that gave up their time to act as Race Officers and helpers.

Next years Autumn Sportsboat Series begins on 9th October 2010, we look forward to seeing you all then.

Tom Wilson

Sailing Secretary 

Dredger arrives at Granton.

The RFYC silt agitation barge has now arrived at the harbour.

The early series is now complete with all nine races sailed. Eight boats took part in the series, which included two visitors from Port Edgar. The overall results are available on the Downloads page.

The final days racing, in contrast to the first two weekend, was held in a fresh to strong E-SE wind, with a lumpy sea running out in the circle. Once again Elixir showed that she is the boat to beat in the series, coming away with three wins.

The Late Series begins next Saturday (31st October) with three races using the RFYC circle. Sailing Instructions are available on the website. 

A fleet of six 707's enjoyed two days of great sailing in winds ranging from 12-25kts.

Saturday saw three races being held over windward/leeward courses. The honours going to the experienced Blue Funk from Port Edgar. New boys on the block (the older Robertson boys actually) put up a good show, which would have been even better if they had read the course board properly in the first race! Various crew members were blamed, but on closer questioning the blame seemed to lie with the man who is more often on the West Coast in charge of Hops.

For what seems like only the second time this season the weather on Sunday could not have been better, with a steady South Westerly blowing, and the sun even showed itself at times. The overall result was in the balance right up until the finish of the last race, with less than twenty second covering the first three finishers. The overall result is available on the Downloads page.

This is the first time the 707's have raced seriously together on a one design level since both RFYC and PEYC introduced the class earlier this year. It is hoped that it will go from strength to strength and there are already plans afoot to have more class events next year.  

James Gibb Property Management Ltd. Spring Series for Dinghies 29/30 April & 1 May 2009

Competent Crew/Dayskipper practical courses will be run over a two day and a three day weekend (5 days total) in April/May probably on the Clyde. Cost will be about £350 - £400, member or non member.

If interested please contact Sandra at the office (royalforth@btconnect.com / 0131 552 8560)