Successful launch for Orkney Yole Association

The three-sailed yoles Family Pride and Gremsa at the Holm Regatta. (Photo: T. Copland)

Two stalwarts of the Stromness sailing scene, Captain Willie Tulloch and Mr Len Wilson, have been successful in launching an Orkney Yole Association. Both are owners of sailing yoles, Len having built his own boat, which he shares with his cousin, Maurice Davidson. Their stated aim is to preserve the traditional Orkney yole which has featured largely in the maritime economy of Orkney.

Helped by pulicity in the local press, the local radio and many personal phone calls, the inaugural meeting, held in the School of Navigation in Stromness on Saturday, was well supported with 27 representatives of the sailing fraternity from Eday, Rousay, Burray, Longhope and Mainlend Orkney.

The following office bearers were elected: president - Captain Willie Tulloch, vice-president - Captain Bill Sinclair, secretary - Mr Len Wilson, treasurer - Mr Willie Groat and committee members - Messrs Sydney Foubister, John Mowat, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Robin Duncan, Ian Richardson and Captain Alec Norquoy.

The members of the association are now calling out for all budding sail-makers to please get in touch. The secretary can be contacted by phone on 873079 or by post at Falkland, Berstane Road, St Ola, KW15 1SZ.

While groups of islands have developed and retained their own distinctive sailing craft, such as the Shetland and Westray skiffs, it was felt that, with the passing of time, the Orkney yole might well be relegated to the museums. However, the newly formed committee have pledged that these graceful old crafts will still be sailing and admired by all lovers of the sea.

Their first task will be to draw up a programme which will be published in good time for the next sailing season.