WEST HIGHLAND YACHTING WEEK

WEST Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and the regatta, running from July 28 to August 4, is set for a spectacular birthday party, both on and off the water.

70TH ANNIVERSARY SIX PAGE PREVIEW INSIDE

WEST Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and the regatta, running from July 28 to August 4, is set for a spectacular birthday party, both on and off the water.

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Argyll coast, WHYW is a leading international yachting event and offers a winning combination of round the buoys and passage racing, complemented by an excellent après sail social programme.

Tunnock’s remains the major sponsor of WHYW for this special birthday year with support from Argyll and Bute Council, Malin Waters, Tobermory Harbour Association, Owen Sails, Gael Force Marine Equipment, Scottish Canals, Birlinn Books and West Coast Motors.

Over the 70 years of the event, WHYW has always tried to offer something for everyone. From highly competitive racing with a full points series, to the opportunity to take part for just a day or two, the event can appeal to those who just enjoy passage sailing or want to try competitive racing for the first time. In addition, competitors can choose to race with or without spinnakers for the series.

Event flexibility has therefore been at the heart of the WHYW success story as is the format of being a ‘moving regatta’ with passage races linking all three ports of call – Craobh, Oban and Tobermory. The event gives the opportunity for all the family to take part, either in the non-spinnaker classes – the Argyll fleet – or for those seeking on the edge competition in the spinnaker classes – the Tunnock’s fleet.

All yachts muster at Craobh Marina for the start of the regatta. The feeder race from the Clyde has been re-instated for the 70th event with yachts sailing from Largs to Ardrishaig. Yachts then make passage through the Crinan Canal to Craobh. Scottish Canals is offering a 10 per cent discount for outward and return passages through the Crinan Canal for all entries. Also on offer will be a special prize from Scottish Canals for the winner of the Clyde Feeder on handicap. Those coming from Ireland and the south can take advantage of the Gigha race to Craobh with the northern placed yachts racing to Craobh from Oban.