After winning the Butler Cup for the Albacore fleet at Swanage regatta the previous weeked, John Woffinden swapped crews and travelled north of the border with Ali Hendry, to take part in the Combined Albacore Scottish National Championships and the European Championships in Largs (near Glasgow) in a fleet of 21 Albacores. The Scottish Championships were decided by Saturday's racing with the whole weekend results counting for the European Championships. A fresh breeze and some Scottish rain met the competitors on Saturday morning, but the wind dropped half way through the first race, giving rise to a long postponement before race 2. Eventually race 2 got underway and John and Ali snatched the Championships with a win in race 2 just beating World Champion Barney Harris on count-back for the title of Albacore Scottish Champions. Race 3 was postponed until Sunday due to lack of wind, but Sunday brought brighter weather and more wind allowing the race officer to get 4 races in back to back to complete the European Series. Largs came into it own, with fantastic sailing conditions. Barney Harris stamped his authority on the fleet with 3 wins in a row to take the European Championship, Judy Armstrong moved into second overall when the discard came into play and John and Ali finished 3rd overall. Full results here: http://www.albacore.org.uk/results/2008/scottish/Scottish2008.html Photos here: http://fotoboat.thirdlight.com/viewpicture.tlx?albumid=168136&pictureid=7207979
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