News

12-06-2009

2009 Scottish Islands Peaks Race

Outremer 45 'Obedient' won the 2009 Scottish Islands Peaks Race. What a chance for the crew to participate this incredible race in this wonderful country. And for us to read the full report from her owner...

"We are delighted to be able to inform you that “Obedient”, an Outremer 45, won the 2009 Scottish Islands Peaks Race starting on 15 May 2009. This race involves both sailing and hill running around the Inner Hebrides. A description of the race is available at http://www.sipr.zetnet.co.uk/intro.htm . The race is for teams of hill runners and sailors over a long weekend around the beautiful West Coast of Scotland. The sailing course of 160 nautical miles includes the strong tides and overfalls of the Corryvreckan and the Mull of Kintyre whilst the runners cover 60 miles and 11,500 ft of climbing.

"Obedient", despite being a cruiser, was in class one, and beat an F 28 trimaran over the first two legs, even winning a tacking duel with the trimaran through the night in very light winds. Unfortunately the conditions off the Mull of Kintyre were very severe, and the F 28 got caught in very bad tidal overfalls, and retired on the third of four sailing legs. Despite the race being mainly upwind, sailing times were better than a J124, an X412, a J 44 and a Maramu 52. The overall sailing time was 22 hours 47 minutes and six seconds which was quicker than a very well sailed J124; however we sailed very conservatively after the trimaran retired, avoiding breakages in the heavy conditions, as our overall lead was over four hours. Total race time was less than the magical 36 hours overall, at 35h: 48m: 25 seconds, compared to the second placed boat which took 40h:2m:30s. This is an average of 7kts, which includes the time taken for the runners to leave the checkout, get picked up by dinghy and set off, as well as dropping them off the dinghy and rowing ashore to the checkpoint at each of the mountains as well as Oban and Troon.

This is the second fastest time ever in the history of the race. That was achieved by a Nic Bailey designed 40 foot ocean racing trimaran (Mollymawk ex. MTC) in mainly reaching conditions.

Of 48 starters, only 15 finished because of poor weather conditions. This result is a tribute to the speed and seakeeping qualities of Outremer catamarans, and to their comfort in which we were able to keep the runners well fed, rested while on board and (in the main) free of seasickness. Tribute also to the runners, Donald and Ray, who came second in the runners. Ray had only had one week's notice to participate in the race.

The moral of the story – if you want a fast cruise round the West Coast of Scotland in incredible speed, comfort, style and safety, buy an Outremer!

Thanks Outremer! Please thank all of your staff who helped build our wonderful catamaran..

Gordon"