A warm welcome to all

C raobh Marina manager Alastair Spence said: ‘Holt Leisure Parks, and the Craobh Marina staff, are again honoured to be accommodating the fleet for two nights at the opening of this special anniversary West Highland Yachting Week.

‘As always, we wish the race committee, the sponsors and all the behind the scenes volunteers a very successful week and thank them all for their labours and support. A warm welcome is afforded to all and we remind all competitors that if they require any kind of assistance or have any special requirements, please be relaxed at approaching any of the marina staff who will be in attendance to ensure a memorable time is had by all.’

Facilities for yachts before and after the regatta are also available at nearby Kilmelford, Crinan and Ardfern.

It is perhaps the camaraderie of the event that is so striking.

With an après sail social programme that extends its appeal to all ages across the week, there is a range of activity to enjoy. From ceilidhs to barbecues, an open mic night to family swimming as well as general boat to boat socialising, the event is as alive off the water as it is during the day’s racing activities. Seventy years of sailing amid stunning West Coast scenery bringing people together with a common aim will be celebrated in style for 2017.

Change in racing format for Sunday and the Round Lismore Race returns.

For the 70th anniversary, there will also be a change in format for racing off Craobh Marina on the first day. While the Argyll fleet will circumnavigate Shuna Island, the Tunnock’s spinnaker fleet race on a Round the Buoys course to the south of Craobh.

Enhancing the 70th race programme this year is the return of the popular Round Lismore Race from Oban – an island circumnavigation held only when tidal conditions allow.

The Joint Regatta Committee is inviting everyone who has taken part in the past and those who would like to be part of this historic event in 2017 to come onboard for a very special 70th birthday party.

Chairman Andy Knox said: ‘We look forward to welcoming familiar faces as well as those who are new to the event to celebrate WHYW 70. We already have participants from all over the UK and beyond taking part in this amazing event.

‘Not only is WHYW a unique regatta to be part of but it brings a significant revenue boost to all the local communities of the area.’