Despite the threat of storm Erin, 110 yachts and dinghies took to the water for the first day of Largs Regatta Festival at Largs, Firth of Clyde.
The Regatta is generously sponsored by Largs based sailmakers, Saturn Sails, and is the only Regatta which combines keelboat and dinghy racing with the added fleets of Etchells and 707s both competing for their Scottish Championships. All race officers were keen to provide short sharp racing to get 4 results in case the predicted winds of 30-45 knots materialised the next day, fortunately so, as all racing was cancelled on the second day.
Fleets and Classes
The fleet split into three with the keelboats racing in the open channel whilst the dinghies and One Designs stayed inshore, wind built from 12 knots at the start to 25 knots as the day progressed providing some exciting conditions not only for the dinghy fleet but also for the keelboats. CYCA class was dominated by Shearwater (G and E Wilson) who took the overall Yacht of the Weekend closely contended by Xaviera (J Anderson) in IRC 1.
Competitive Racing
In the Short Class Cameron McDaid took 4 firsts in his Laser over 23 other entrants thus claiming the Dinghy of the Weekend award. In the Long fleet Phil and Carol Alderson also took 4 straight wins in their Cherub, as did Rohan O'Kane in the newly added Junior fleet in his Topper, with added experience from the recent Topper Nationals at Largs in August. As is the trend the multihull class also saw four firsts for David and Ian Kent in their Hurricane.
The International Etchells class used the event to stage their Scottish Championship. With 4 races in the bag Bounce Back was deemed the Scottish Champion followed closely by Animal (K Aitken). In the 707 class More T Vicar squeezed onto the winning podium by just one point clear of Po.
In addition to the racing an adventure sail was also run by Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust around the Isle of Cumbrae complete with fancy dress and decorated boats.
Thanks to...
Long standing race officer, Pete Wright, was awarded the RYA Impact Award for his long term commitment and energy to Scottish sailing and racing, richly deserved for the many years of sitting up waiting for overnight yachts to finish.
Competitors enjoyed an action packed social programme courtesy of Saturn Sails loft party and live music and family entertainment in the Euroyachts showroom, everyone up for a party ashore between some fierce racing. Sadly the forecast winds materialised and the legendary Round Cumbraes Race had to be cancelled - there's always next year!
Huge thanks must go to all the volunteers ashore and afloat who work tirelessly to stage this popular annual event, and of course to mains sponsors Saturn Sails, Coastworks and Euroyachts. The Festival continues with midweek evening racing and then the unique Scottish Two Handed Race around Arran/Holy Island on 6 September.
Full results available at largsregattafestival.com
"707 Scottish Champsioners at Largs Regatta Festival this weekend. Great day racing in tricky conditions yesterday and sadly no racing today as it's blowing its balls off"
"Socials were top level. Saturn Sails - thank you for inviting us into the loft on Friday night for a fantastic pre-party. Euroyachts put on some top bands both nights (keeping us all update).
"The marina staff as always do above and beyond to welcome the class, as does Julie and her term in the Sailing Club"
- Eddie Batchelor
Gallery
Photos by Marc Turner / www.pfmpictures.co.uk, and Matthew Burgess
Next Up
The Henri Lloyd Midweek Series and the Arran Malt Scottish Two Handed Race!