SPKA Licencing Day
Report on the 15th of August 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews
Due to increasing interest from the community a licencing session was arranged for the 15th of August 2010 at St. Andrews and after a low wind start to the day it picked up and cleared away the haar, revealing blue skys and a nice clean beach. With the theory side of the test completed early it allowed plenty of time for the practical element of the test.
Even with the efforts of experienced racers getting in the way and causing havoc 4 out of 4 attained their licences, so congratulations to Stuart MacKay Calum Mitchell, Ruairidh Munro and Joyce Strachan.
I'm sure everyone looks forward to seeing you all in the forthcoming series and fun races.
If you're interested in trying racing then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page for more information, introductory races are held at each SPKA race day and provide an excellent opportunity to try racing without any pressure.
Photos are available courtesy and copyright of Simon Arlott, located Here.
SPKA 10 Year Anniversary Summer Fly 2010
Report on the 27th of June 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews
Well for the first time in a number of years the weather for our 10th Anniversary Summer Fly came good, just what the doctor ordered (well nearly)! We had ‘sunshine’ AND ‘wind’ AND ‘no rain’. The wind could have been in a better direction and the low tide a touch later but hey, we can’t have it all!
We had a very decent turn out of members, both regulars and the not so regulars ;-) but it was good to see them all enjoying the days festivities.
We had the BBQ lit and running for 1 o’clock (many thanks to Kieth & Joyce again for bringing it along) and everyone took their turn in the queue to pile it high with their goodies which were soon scoffed in record time.
The last formal part of the days events then followed with a short welcome speech from our chairperson and the presentation of prizes for the various awards, both the last race day and the annual ones.
The awards were as follows:
Race Day:
1st: Stephen Pirie
2nd: Alan Payne
3rd: Robert Mitchell
16" Wheel Class: Iain King
Overall Series 2010:
1st: Kev Arlott
2nd: Stephen Pirie
3rd: Robert Mitchell
Best Newcomer: Iain King
So congratulations to all of those above and everyone who has attended throughout the year!
After that it was back onto the beach to catch the dwindling available sand and for the stronger willed a splash around in the waves with the body boards.
Biggest casualty of the day was Dangerous Bob’s gazebo, definitely not high wind rated ;-) although Roors would have been top but for a fortunate find of a set of car keys in the sand, saving the recovery services from being called out!
All in all a good day, roll on the next 12 months of fun and flying.
Photos are available courtesy and copyright of Simon Arlott, located Here.
Celtic Challenge Scottish Round + Scottish Series Racing
Report on the 5th/6th of June 2010 - Sands of Luce, Nr. Stranraer
Well for the first year ever both Scotland and Ireland rounds have both provided conditions suitable to race in for the Celtic Challenge! With 5 races in Ireland and 3 in Scotland the cup falls into evil Irish Leprechaun hands for 2010! However we're told there is no pot of gold, simply a quaich of silver at the end of the Scottish round. Saturday proved decidedly foggy and with variable winds and the odd false start was eventually called off. Sundays offshore moderate-strong winds provided some excellent close racing however.
Results are now available Here.
The Celtic Challenge is an annual event so around spring-summer next year be prepared for another home and away leg!
Meanwhile the SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series was decided upon during the event, with 3 races counting and unbeleivably close points totals proving that "it ain't over 'til its over". And with the SPKA's new 16" wheel class and 'Best Newcomer' prizes up for grabs there was the chance for prizes throughout the fleet.
So! What many have been waiting for is the final results which are as follows:
1st: Kev Arlott
2nd: Stephen Pirie
3rd: Robert Mitchell
4th: Alan Payne
5th: Tom Arlott
6th: Anne Downs
7th: James Armour
8th: Keith Haynes
9th: Iain King
10th: Mike Walters
Of which the top 5 have qualified to this years European Championships in De Panne, Belgium, alongside the top woman: Anne Downs.
All top 10 pilots may now run their placing as their SCO racing number until the next season ends (eg: SCO 1, SCO 2... SCO 10).
Meanwhile congratulations to Iain King! Who has taken the 'Best Newcomer' prize ( free entry to the 2010-2011 series) as well as 1st place in the 16" wheel class!
Prize giving will be held at the SPKAs 10 Year Anniversary Summer Fly 2010 held on the 27th of June at the West Sands, St. Andrews.
Full results available here: SPKA Annual Buggy Race Series 2009-2010 Final Results!
If you're interested in trying racing then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page for more information, introductory races are held at each SPKA race day and provide an excellent opportunity to try racing without any pressure.
SPKA Race Day
Report on the 18th of April 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Yet another race day goes by without any racing taking place. Although there was wind at St. Andrews on Sunday there was just too much rain (and ash) falling from the sky to compete, and although it cleared up towards the middle of the afternoon there was not enough beach left to safely run a race. This means that the series will be concluded at the Celtic Challenge Scottish Round in June at Sands of Luce, Nr. Stranraer, see above for info.
SPKA Race Day
Report on the 7th of March 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Again light winds plagued the start of the race day scheduled for March, but the wind picked up enough for people to get motivated and get onto the beach, and with steadily increasing winds a course was set out on the dry hard packed sand. During the introductory race however it became apparent that the wind was dropping off again, and after a lunch break and some occasionally promising gusts the day was called off.
The Introductory Race results were as follows:
1st: Stephen Pirie
2nd: Keith Haynes
3rd: Tom Arlott
4th: Robert Mitchell
5th: Iain King
6th: Stuart Mackay
7th: Drew Smith
SPKA Freestyle Day 2
Report on the 6th of March 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Well with visitors from Scotland and down South it was hoped that the forcast would be false as it usually is, the beach was clear and the sun was out, but the wind just wasn't there for any more than a slow crawl around the beach.
Keep an eye out for Freestyle comps later in the year!
SPKA Race Day
Report on the 21st of February 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Unfortunately the wind was just too light for many to even progress to getting kit out of cars on Sunday and with no sign of improving weather the day was called off at 12.30pm. However it did give everyone another chance to catch up and practice circus props. Medals were handed out for the last race day before people began to depart.
A fortnights time looks like it could provide some excellent freestyle and racing, so luckily its not too long before everyone can get out again.
SPKA Race Day 3
Report on the 24th of January 2010 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
In the run up to the January race day the general consensus was that if we got racing, let alone flying, it would be a miracle, forecasts were all pessimistic however by the morning it was clear there was a strong chance of some fast and close racing, onshore mid range winds looked promising as everyone got ready to walk onto the beach.
No time was wasted before the start line and five points were set out by race master Roger Blake and a pilots briefing was called. Three twenty minute races were held before the cold sapped everyones eagerness to race any more and everyone packed up the wide range of kites on the beach.
Undoubtably one of the best days racing this year was made perfect by the combination of a smooth hard packed St. Andrews beach, a clean onshore wind of between 12mph and 22mph throughout the day, and cheerful, sportsmanlike camaraderie.
Photo Above: Paul Connor, 16" wheel class winner
Click here for the series race results to date: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2009/10 Results.
Some photos are now online, courtesy and copyright of Leah Wenham the album can be found Here.
Huges thanks to Roger, Joyce, Leah and Callum for organising and marshalling, serious respect is due for enduring the cold weather without drysuits!
SPKA Race Day 2
Report on the 6th of December 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Unusually the forecast had been perfect at times, however the night before the forecast was saying rain and strong winds, luckily the forecasts were once again incorrect, the sky was bright and clear in places, but with very little wind. Everyone sat on the beach and chilled out, and the wind began to pick up slowly, meaning that there was enough for most to get around the course set out. Alan Payne took his position as race officer for the fun introductory race, the results of which were as follows:
1st: Kev Arlott
2nd: Stephen Pirie
3rd: Michael Walters
4th: Bob Mitchell
During the race and shortly after the wind gathered momentum and it was time for kites between 5m and 7.5m's. The second race was run by Bob Mitchell and consisted of a 3 mark (+ start line) course which saw newcomer Michael stomp through to 2nd place on a Frenzy and in a Flexi buggy. With the wind building still and the tide moving in the course was simplified to 2 mark (+ start line) route.
Overall the beach conditions were surprisingly favourable, with rock hard sand which only had a thin film of water in places (drying up by the time it came to race) and some wet potholes in places meaning a good line was essential to a good position.
Well done to Michael Walters, who took part in his first races, and took the 16" wheel prize for the day.
Thanks must of course be said to Alan, Anne, Bill, Bob, Joyce, Leah and Tom for carrying out the duties which are essential for the event to run.
Click here for the series race results to date: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2009/10 Results.
SPKA St. Andrews Kite Festival 2009
Report on the 29th of November 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Once again the St. Andrews Kite Festival exceeded previous attendence numbers. The homecoming year festival was forcast with smooth 18mph North Easterlies right up until the night before, however Sunday dawned and although mostly dry as forcast the wind was substantially stronger than anticipated, some flying, buggying and boarding took place in the arena, however the wind was just too strong to put on any form of real show for the spectators.
Strong winds also meant that the try a fly sessions were not able to go ahead.
Thanks to all those who attended and helped out throughout the day, it was good to see representatives from Extreme Zone, Kite Club of Scotland, Kitehighland, Marionville Models, St. Andrews Traction Kites, Synergy Kitesports and Tractionkiting all supporting the event and promoting the sport to the public.
Some photos can be found on the SPKA gallery in the St. Andrews Kite Festival 2009 Album
SPKA Race Day
Report on the 8th of November 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews, Fife
Unfortunately the wind was not favouring us on Sunday, light cross offshore winds meant that it was a struggle to get going for many, but a small fun course was put out and everyone had a go at improving their light wind big kite skills once again.
Long distance aerobie and nerf throws, as well as some amatuer boules games were played for the majority of the day, and at around 2pm the event was called off with no wind in sight.
Thanks to Roger, Joyce, Callum, Anne, Leah and Paul for their assistance at the event, and to all those who attended, hopeful of some wind and racing.
SPKA Freestyle Day 1
Report on the 24th of October 2009 - Stevenston, N. Ayrshire
Stevenston is argueably the best venue in Scotland for Freestyle and so what better place to hold an event? Unfortunately the wind and weather gods did not agree. Rain saw the end of the Freestyle Day before it could begin unfortunately, hopefully St. Andrews in March will provide more favourable conditions.
SPKA Race Days
Report on the 10th/11th of October 2009 - Sands of Luce, Nr. Stranraer
With visitors from down south, locals and the usual crowd from Scotland the first race days of the 2009/2010 series looked promising and with clear and moderate temperatures it was hoped that Saturday would bring some racing, however with clear skies comes light winds which meant that all that could be run was a fun race for those who wanted to struggle around the course. The only pilots completing a lap must be given credit, in order: Stephen Pirie, Alan Payne and a few marks for a slightly dehydrated Davie Strachan managing to get 3/4 of the way around.
Sunday began much more promisingly, even though the wind was offshore the winds were managable enough to race although variable in both speed and direction at times. To begin with a large course was set out and some locals joined in for a quick introductory race, the results of which were as follows:
1st: Alan Payne, 2nd: James Armour, 3rd: Anne Downs, 4th: Tom Arlott, 5th: Iain King, 6th: Drew Smith, 7th: Robert Mitchell, 8th: Chris Barker.
At the end of the introductory race one 30minute race and one 20minute race followed starting off the seasons series races. With changeable wind there were times when changing down a size was a requirement for many flyers which added another element to an already exciting race.
Well done to Iain King, who took the 16" wheel class award for the weekend.
Click here for the series race results to date: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2009/10 Results.
SPKA Summer Fly
Report on the 12th of July 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews
With heavy rain overnight and forecasts for the morning gloomy the wind and the weather was surprisingly good during the morning, the BBQ was lit for lunch and prize giving took place before the weather started to turn, short sharp showers and variable winds meant that flying was mixed in with running for cover from the rain, however the beach seems to have recovered some of its cleanliness and hard packed sand, it just remains lumpy in places so hopefully it will continue to improve over the summer.
Celtic Challenge Irish Round
Report on the 23rd/24th of May 2009 - Benone, N. Ireland
Everyone was hopeful that this years Irish round at Benone would bring perfect racing conditions compared to the last 2 years washouts. Unfortunately the old 'third time lucky' mentality was hopeless and although the wind was suitable for some buggying and flying, it was too gusty and dangerous to have 20+ pilots next to each other competing against each other and the wind itself.
Luckily the Saturday evening meal at Cooleys more than made up for the bad weather and saw a dance off between Scotland and Ireland, with our own Stephen P. battling it out with Rob F. from Ireland, the triumph was most definately Stephens and since Rob already bet the Celtic Quaich on the outcome we thought we had it wrapped up to make it Scotland 2 - Ireland 1, but again those sneaky Irish disowned him and so they now hold the Celtic Challenge winners title for 2009.
The results for the Scottish round and hence the whole challenge can be found here: Celtic Challenge 2009 Results
Roll on next year!
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
Celtic Challenge Scottish Round
Report on the 2nd/3rd of May 2009 - Sands of Luce, Dumfries and Galloway
Saturday morning appeared and with a great procession (and just a little bit too much fuss) the Irish headed for the beach from the campsite. The beach widened out and the wind increased throughout the day and a large course of around 1.5-2miles was set out. A race breifing was held and in the cross shore winds flyers from 3 countries raced for 40mins until lunch.
After the short break there were 2 more short and sharp 30min races around the course involving small water splashes, some soft banks and some hard packed speed runs.
On Saturday evening a meal was organised by Joyce at a local restaurant which went down well with the 30 attendees, and afterwards many retired to the campsite bar to finish off the evening.
Sunday morning started off wet but soon dried out and the strong offshore winds swung around to become more crossshore by the time the racing got underway, a lot of broad reaches meant fast laps and some very close racing from the top to the bottom of the fleet during the 2 x 30min races over the 1.5mile course.
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
Thanks to Jim P. for being race master throughout the weekend, and thanks to Roger B., Joyce S., Keith H., Gary R. and Anne D. for scoring and marshalling once again.
Results are available here: Celtic Challenge 2009 Results
Photos available here: Celtic Challenge 2009 Scottish Round Album
SPKA Fun Race Day
Report on the 12th of April 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews
Winds were light upon arrival at the beach, however they soon picked up and a nice onshore breeze providing some fun for those who attended, a small course was set up and everyone got lots of practice in.
Unfortunately many spent longer at the beach than intended, long queues on the beach road saw some people waiting over 40mins to get out of St. Andrews.
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
SPKA Race Day 6
Report on the 15th of March 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews
Well the 2008/09 Series has now been rounded off with a superb day of racing, 4 x 20minute races were completed between 10.30am and 2.30pm, the beach contained its usual variety of terrain however spirits were high and racing was fast in 15-25mph variable winds. A Course with 4 marks, mostly broad or relatively close reaches meant that speed was the key rather than precision.
Congratulations to Stuart McGougan, Scottish Number 1 for 2008/09!!! Not to mention the rest of the fleet, everyone appears to have progressed significantly over the season. Those who made top 10 have qualified for the European Championships later in the year and may now run their respective position as their number eg: 6th may run SCO 6
Thanks to Joyce and Kevin for scoring and marshalling every race and also to Anne, Alan, Bob and Kev who each took their turn at Race Master and scorer.
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race in the Scottish series then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
Series results are available here: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2008/09 Results
SPKA Race Day 5
Report on the 15th of February 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews
On arrival to the beach the winds were light, however everyone was in high spirits due to the (relatively) warm weather and large beach available.
After a course was set out it was decided to run a fun race around 4 marks to get flyers out while the wind was still low. The results of this race can be found below.
Shortly after the fun race the wind began to increase and the race was on, there was fierce but fun competition throughout the fleet with everyone finding someone to challenge. The race was completed with some getting 11 laps over the fast course.
A 30min break for lunch and then back onto the beach, one mark was removed and so a simple 3 point course allowed those who excelled at speed to produce some good results, the first lap saw fierce competition between the first 4 pilots at every corner with some very skillful flying and avoidance skills displayed. The tide began to rise and the racing was ended for the day.
Thanks to Jim, Joyce, Anne and Owain for scoring and marshalling throughout the day and for the encouragement during the races.
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race in the Scottish series then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
Series results are available here: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2008/09 Results
The fun race results were:
1st: Kev Arlott
2nd: Stuart McGougan
3rd: Stephen Pirie
4th: Jim Wallis
5th: Alan Payne
6th: Stuart Walker
7th: Bob Mitchell
SPKA Race Day 4
Report on the 18th of January 2009 - West Sands, St. Andrews
Even though the forecast was appalling there was still a good turn out at the event, and pilots enjoyed navigating a 5 point course on the rock solid and relatively smooth beach at St. Andrews, with very close racing throughout the fleet in both races.
Thanks to Joyce, Bill, Keith, Tom and Stuart for scoring and marshalling throughout the day, without their commitment racing would be impossible.
If you are interested in attaining a licence to race in the Scottish series then please take a look at the SPKA Buggy Licencing Page and get in touch at info@spka.org, its free as long as you're a member so you lose nothing by coming along to give it a go!
Results are now available: SPKA Annual Buggy Racing Series 2008/09 Results
