The social scene

The focus of the renowned après sail social scene is the marquee by the Tarbert pontoons. CCC launches events with the popular Icebreaker parties both in Tarbert for the main fleet and at Largs Yacht Haven for the white sail fleet. CCC has asked all those attending to buy tickets in advance. £2 of every ticket will go to charity (divided between the Clyde Fishermen’s Trust (in memory of those who lost their lives on the Nancy Glen) and the Clyde Cruising Club’s own Seamanship and Pilotage Trust. There will also be a raffle for these charities. Tickets can be purchased via : https:// www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/scottish-series-icebreaker-2018-tickets-45109840748

Meeting point

The Tarbert marquee provides a meeting point and social venue where everyone can enjoy drinks and catch up on the day’s action on the water. Saturday night welcomes the return of the popular band Big Vern and his Shootahs with free entry. The traditional and spectacular fireworks on Saturday is funded by Tarbert Enterprise Company (TEC) and Tarbert Harbour Authority (THA). TEC receive support from Argyll and Bute Council and THA. The marquee will have food from the big burger stand and seafood from the Starfish Restaurant as well as the TEC Botanist bar. Kirsten Henderson of THA and TEC, who take the lead in organising shore-side attractions, said: ‘Everyone recognises the importance of the event to the village. The regatta is so well run on the water with top class racing and this is pointed up by the entry list from far and wide. Ashore it’s also great fun with a buzz about the village that is always associated with the Scottish Series weekend.’

The racing

The event format is a mixture of Olympic style and coastal races. All spinnaker classes race on Loch Fyne on Day 1.

The opening passage race from Largs for white sail, family class and cruisers is on Friday May 27. Prior to this the Bangor to Tarbert feeder race starts at 8pm on Wednesday May 24 for the Irish competitors. Saturday sees a passage race from Tarbert towards Otter Spit returning to Tarbert, which is not part of the series. The Inch Passage race is on Sunday and racing continues on Loch Fyne till Monday May 29. The overall regatta prize-giving is on Monday night at the marquee.

Classes range from high tech IRC racers to those sailing CYCA handicaps, both spinnaker and restricted sail.