A LINE UP of nearly 100 yachts is expected for the start of the 69th West Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) at Craobh Marina this Sunday (July 31).
Unique in set up and running till August 5, the regatta is based round Craobh, Oban and Tobermory. Passage races link the three ports with a day’s racing for spinnaker and restricted sail classes from each venue following the traditional format of inshore and Olympic courses.
Tunnock’s remains the major sponsor of WHYW with support from Argyll and Bute Council, Malin Waters, Tobermory Harbour Association, Owen Sails and Gaelforce Marine.
Last year’s overall title holder Steven Forteith and his First 31.7 Shadowfax return to defend the Peter Cocks Trophy in a highly competitive Class 5. They face Peter Watt and team, also former title winners on the BB10 Vaila, returning to the event after eleven years, as well as main sponsor Boyd Tunnock CBE in his Moody 38 Lemerac.
Regular racing names are also back with the Clyde’s Alan Jeffrey and Paul Scutt in Carmen II opting for IRC Class 0 and vying alongside the Aitken’s fellow First 36.7 Animal. Fresh from winning the inaugural St Kilda race Gordon Lawson campaigns his J122 Moonstruck Too. Perth’s David Walter brings his Arcona 430 Requiem to Class 0 after a class win in the recent Round Mull Race. And Roddy Angus with More Misjif is always a strong contender in Class 1. Norman Howison with Local Hero and Scott Chalmers with Sunrise opt for white sail this year alongside Murray Findlay in Boxcar and Stephen Pickles in Ataraxia. Murray Caldwell races Oystercatcher in Class 8, the largest in the fleet and is a favourite for a class win.
Feeder races bring yachts from Gigha and Oban to Craobh today (Sat July 30).
WHYW chairman Andy Knox said: ‘Now into its 69th consecutive year West Highland Yachting Week continues to attract new participants from other areas of the UK and beyond to enjoy racing in one of the most scenic parts of the world.’
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