WEST HIGHLAND YACHTING WEEK RETURNS FOR 2021

After the absence of West Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) in 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic, competitors are once again gearing up for the return of this much-loved regatta. Starting on July 31 and running till August 6, the format will remain nearly the same as previous years with Craobh, Oban and Tobermory the host ports. The Joint Regatta Committee (JRC) which runs the event says it aims to give a full week’s racing. However, with the race committee likely to be working with restricted numbers, the emphasis will be on passage racing over the six-day series. Two feeder races take place on Saturday July 31 to Craobh Marina where the fleet muster for the start of WHYW. The Gigha feeder caters for boats from the south, whilst those from the north take part in the Oban to Craobh race. On Sunday, the fleet race round Shuna off Craobh Marina and, after a second night at Craobh, compete in the passage race north to Oban on Monday August 2. The ever-popular Round Lismore race returns to WHYW on Tuesday. This year the tides suit an island circumnavigation. On Wednesday, the fleet race north to Tobermory up the Sound of Mull. Thursday sees racing ‘round the cans’ off Tobermory before the return to Oban on Friday August 6 in the Tobermory to Oban race to complete the points series. The WHYW committee has committed to making the event happen despite restrictions imposed by COVID. However, no formal social events have been

organised and competitors will have to work to the guidelines imposed by host ports. Gavin Marshall, chairman of the JRC, said: ‘We are all committed to seeing WHYW 21 take place. The JRC has worked hard to make this happen and accommodate all racing preferences. In addition to the normal spinnaker and white sail classes, we are offering two classes for shorthanded crews with boats with no more than two people aboard. For those who like their ‘bubbles’ small, this may be an attractive option.’ This will be the 73rd birthday of the event run under the auspices of the Royal Highland Yacht Club and Oban Sailing Club. The only other regattas missed since the event’s inception in 1882 were the war years. It is an historic event and Tunnock’s is once again committed a front-line sponsor, marking their long support of the regatta. Gavin continued: ‘Regardless of coronavirus restrictions, WHYW is able to go ahead largely due to the generosity of our main sponsor Tunnock’s. Other sponsors include Owen Sails, Noble Marine Insurance, Scottish Sea Farms and Islay Gin. We are extremely grateful for their support.’