Johnnie is new to the team but well-kent face at WHYW

New principal race officer (PRO) Johnnie Readman has a long and successful history competing at West Highland Yachting Week.

He first took part in 1971 and has competed every year either independently, or with his wife Mandy for more than 35 years. Both are well-known faces on the racing scene.

Johnnie said: ‘Mandy, in fact, raced WHYW a few years before I started.

‘We have had lots of fun as a family and as friends’ crew and won a few races along the way – including the family trophy and the prestigious overall Peter Cox Memorial Trophy.

‘It was the highlight of our year!’

He added: ‘When one year we decided not to put the boat in the water and do other things in the summer, our children rejoiced, but they insisted we still had to do WHYW!

‘I think that shows how fantastic an event it is and continues to be for so many people.’

Johnnie began to get involved in race management about 20 years ago and is one of four RYA national race officers in Scotland. As well as a range of other racing events, he has been PRO of Scottish Series since 2010. Earlier this year he was the course RO for the Laser classes at the RYA Youths at Largs which had a similar entry to WHYW, but as he points out, was a ‘completely different’ event.

Johnnie is currently commodore of Clyde Cruising Club and a member of Western Isles Yacht Club and Royal Highland Yacht Club.

He is looking forward to his new role at WHYW.

He said: ‘I think that WHYW offers a great opportunity to go racing in a helpful environment. It is not designed to be a top-end championship, like Clyde Cruising Club’s Scottish Series, but a fun event, with great racing, in fantastic surroundings, and a busy social programme.’