28 April 2007
New Boats are named.
Lochcarron Sailing Club commemorated the past by naming their two new training dinghies after two of the last herring fishing boats that sailed out of Loch Carron.
The dinghies, which were part funded by Highland 2007 Year of Culture, have filled a gap in our teaching fleet. The "Johan", a 4.7 metre Topaz Omega, can hold up to five adults and will be used for training adults and juniors. It has the benefit of an assymetric spinnaker and "trapeze" which will encourage teenagers to learn how to stand on the gunnel of the boat, supported by the trapeze wire, to balance the dinghy when the wind rises. This technique is essential in the "Caberfeidh", a 4.2 metre Topper Buzz, which is designed for high speed thrills and excitement, but is still easily manageable by a crew of two teenagers.
A good crowd of local people turned out on Saturday 28th April to watch the naming ceremony. Joanna Boldra officially named the Johan which had been skippered by her late uncle Alex MacRae of Ardaneasken and Murdo "Stag" MacKenzie named the Caberfeidh which had been skippered by his late father. He commented how appropriate it was that the two dinghies were working as a team as the two fishing boats also worked as a pair in the fifties when fishing for herring.
Following the traditional splash of "champagne" over the bows, the onlookers were able to toast the future the dinghies and their crews with the remaining contents of the bottles. Following this the guests were able to view Lochcarron Sailing Club's new clubhouse which is nearing completion and is due to be officially opened during their regatta on the 23rd and 24th of June.
David Murray, club commodore commented, " We are really grateful to Highland 2007 for the help that they have given us towards these boats. It has been a super afternoon, basking beside the sea in the sunshine on our new veranda and remembering the culture of the area in this way. It was particularly good to have some of the crew from the old boats come along to the event and hear of the old rivalries -- the Caberfeidh apparently had the edge on the Johan even then!"
The afternoon concluded with several of the guests taking a trip out on the loch in one of the clubs rescue boats or dinghies. The club encourages enquiries from anyone who would like to have a trial sail. They have changing and showering facilities on site and are very welcoming to new members. Please contact David Murray on 01520 722221 if you are interested.
** Stop Press** During June there will be two special events. On Saturday 9th June we will be offering primary school children from a wide area -- from Applecross to Kyle -- the chance to experience sailing first hand. All local primary schools have been contacted and places will be allocated in advance. On the 23rd and 24th of June we will be hosting what may turn out to be our biggest ever regatta. At this we will host the North of Scotland Dinghy and North of Scotland Schools Championships, so we can expect some thrilling competition on the Loch -- let's hope for some good winds!!
