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All action today in the Largs channel as Solway Maid’s spinnaker ripped in the first few minutes after the start of Race 2 of the Fife Regatta. After a spectacular sail to the line right on the start gun she was looking fantastic however the classics are challenged by winds of up to 25 knots.
If it is a challenge on the large yachts then consider the extremes on the smaller Fife’s with freeboard of only 2ft. Being so close to the water is exhilarating and very much a feature of these well designed craft. Bob Fisher, attired in his blazer and tie, was getting the very best from Mignon with crew Barry Dunning working hard as the yacht was surfing downwind.
Stephen Bennie, from Troon Yacht Haven, commented that the boats were pushing the limits of their design ability providing great sailing with Viola breaking her top speed by exceeding 10kts. The fleet headed north from Largs to Skelmorlie bank buoy, across to Toward Lighthouse and then towards the beautiful harbour of Rothesay where they anchored for the night.
Yacht Latifa, with a good percentage of Clyde based sailors, have been welcomed by their skipper Mario Pirri. Mario’s journey to Scotland is an example of sheer determination and strength. Sailing his 75ft yacht singlehandedly, he unfortunately suffered injury. He was not to be discouraged and got friends and family to safely deliver the boat to Scotland while he addressed his medical needs. Mario is now back on board and racing with his crew in all weathers here in Scotland. He is relishing every minute of sailing his fine vessel on home waters. It is such passion and dedication that keeps these yachts afloat which provides pleasure for those aboard and watching from ashore.
The Bilgewater Gin Media boat hosting the international press representatives were blown away by the dramatic sailing and how boats as old as 126 years old are still strong enough to handle such conditions. Bilge water would be something most of the yachts would have experienced today unfortunately not in the form of Invergordon distilled gin!
Todays results showed one of our guests yachts, Rainbow, a Lynton Hope design, was left chasing the class winners Mignon. Mignon scored her second first and continues to lead class 3. Class 2 saw a change in the leader board with Mikado, 1904, stamping their mark on the class with Truant having to settle for 2nd. Class one was again dominated by Saskia, with Sonata and Astor finishing behind her.
Monday will be a day to cruise together through the Kyles of Bute, famed as one of the beauty spots of Scotland. Argyll Secret Coast will host the Fife Regatta in Tighnabruaich for a celebration ashore to embrace this unique event.