Fairlie Welcomes the Fleet Home on Day One of Racing

An easterly breeze blew for the fleet in the 6th edition of the Fife Regatta as racing opened off Largs. The historic reunion of these classic yachts has been much anticipated, with support teams and competitors preparing for this start for months, if not years.

Before the start, a parade of sail took place along the coastal Clyde village of Fairle’s shoreline, where many of the boats were originally built in the early part of the last century. The local community and a flotilla of local boats turned out to watch the fleet sail by, with some making extra efforts to decorate their boats and crews.

Racing started promptly at 10:30, with the class one boats heading north on a figure-of-eight course around Great Cumbrae and Little Cumbrae. The gusty wind coming off the shore made the crews consider a mix of sail plans. Two of the fleet encountered problems, with Piccolo retiring before the start and Intombi shortly afterwards.

The two eight-metre yachts, Falcon and Saskia, enjoyed a close race throughout the day as they swapped places time and again around the course. Kentra cruised majestically with her Gaff Ketch rig prominent throughout the fleet as they rounded the north of the first island and headed south across the flat water, making easy reaching conditions led by Kismet.

It was a visual feast for sailing enthusiasts off Millport as the two fleets converged amid spectacular boats, with the smaller boats leading the charge homeward. Amongst the fleet, Viscount Kelburn, David Boyle had taken up an offer of a sail on board Coila, who found themselves leading the fleet for some time.

Kismet took line honours for the day, sailing through the fleet of Conway Fife One Designs that had been leading the fleet to the finish line off Largs Yacht Haven. Meanwhile, Sian II, from Royal Anglesey YC, marked its 100th birthday by winning the opening race.