Craobh marina is the first port of call as West Highland Yachting Week celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year.
The 60th anniversary of the regatta takes place from Friday July 27 until Friday August 3, and is the 28th year of sponsorship from Tennents – an unprecendented sponsorship partnership for any regatta. Over the five day event, the local economy is said to benefit from a boost of over £300,000 underpinning the importance of the event to the area.
The week always starts with a party at Craobh where the feeder races finish from the Clyde (Inverkip to Ardrishaig), Oban and Gigha. This year is no exception and when the fleet has mustered, the racing gets under way.
The first passage race of the Regatta is from Craobh to Oban on Sunday with a finish in Oban Bay after racing up the Sound of Kerrera, unless light winds force a change of course. This year nine classes are on offer including four restricted-sail options to give a range of racing for all the family – always the ethos of West Highland Yachting Week. The ever-popular Round Lismore Race sets sail on Monday with a later start set to tie in with the tides and all classes compete in this anti-clockwise circumnavigation.
There will be racing for both fleets in the Firth of Lorn on Tuesday with Olympic style courses and inshore races. The regatta heads to Tobermory on Wednesday with separate courses in the Sound of Mull for spinnaker and white sail classes on Thursday. The final passage race from Tobermory on Friday brings the yachts back to Oban with the traditional prize giving ceilidh dance that evening.
A few local names will be joining the racing with Alistair Spence of Craobh racing Whigmaleerie in Class 8, as is former Advertiser chief reporter Alison Chadwick in Hot Toddy. Brian Robertson from Ardrishaig with his GK 24 Pointer is a former class winner so will also be looking to be amongst the top placings again.
As it is the Diamond Jubilee, a number of extra celebrations are taking place. Oban Marina hosts a welcome party as the fleet race into Oban on Sunday with sports, discos, a barbecue and a ceilidh taking place throughout the week.
Dave Waltho, chairman of the Joint Regatta Committee said: ‘Not many regattas are holding a 60th birthday party! The key to West Highland Week’s success has been listening to feedback from competitors over the years to make the event both competitive and fun. We’ve improved the racing and social programme year on year and both are better than ever for 2007 with the fantastic events lined up to mark our Diamond Jubilee.’
