sailscotland 2020

 Sunrise at Tarbert © Paul Ewins

 Sunset at Inverkip, Firth of Clyde © Allan Campbell

THE UPPER FIRTH AND GLASGOW

similar format to previous Fife Regattas, participants will enjoy the spectacular scenery and hospitality but with a new itinerary that combines past favourites with new destinations. The Firth of Clyde also plays host to numerous other race events throughout the season, some of which are scheduled to encourage boats taking part in the Scottish Series to prolong their stay over three or four weekends. The Scottish Series is preceded by the Kip Regatta and is followed by the Mudhook Yacht Club Scottish Championships. Towards the end of the season the major events are the Largs Regatta Festival in August and the North Clyde Regatta in September. The larger yacht clubs host their own series throughout the year, with local classes such as the Piper also being catered for, and the season ends with the Autumn Points Race Series hosted by Kip and Largs marinas during September and October. Full details are available from Clyde Cruising Club or the Clyde Yacht Clubs Association ( www.cyca-online.org.uk ), which also have their own handicapping system for non-IRC boats. Every October Kip Marina hosts Scotland’s Boat Show, the second largest in the UK and now the UK’s largest brokerage (pre-owned) boat show – with an unrivalled selection of new and used boats on view, attracting approximately 16,000 visitors from far and wide.

an enviable reputation for hosting excellent racing and cruising events throughout the year. These vary in size and competitiveness, but all share the common theme of superb sailing combined with sociable post-event relaxation. The premier event of the year is the Scottish Series ( www.scottishseries. com ) which is recognised as one of the UK’s top yachting regattas. It is the largest Scottish yachting event and entrants travel from all over the world to take part. It is the only international-standard competition for IRC yachts in Scotland, but also features courses for less competitive yachts and one-design classes, at a time of the year perfect for honing performance for the summer season regattas. While the event has historically been seen as being suitable for ‘serious racers’, the organisers are again promising restricted sail classes for 2020 as well as passage races which have proved popular with families and less experienced crews. The regatta is based in the picturesque waters of Loch Fyne with the berthing and regatta centre located in the stunning natural harbour village of Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre. The event, which takes place in May, is organised by the Clyde Cruising Club. As part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 the world’s most beautiful yachts will be returning to their birth for the Fife Regatta (4th to 11th June). With a

The Clyde, after years of decline, has come to life again and there are potential stopping places on the way up the river at Bowling and Clydebank before reaching Glasgow harbour. Here there are pontoons on either side of the river at the BBC building which are free to use but should be booked in advance. You can get lots of information on all aspects of sailing in the Firth of Clyde from the Clydeport Leisure Marine Guide, freely available or to download from www.clydeport.co.uk . In particular, it deals with the passage up the river to Glasgow. This is a fascinating city to visit, packed with history, culture and entertainment events. Now you can see a great city and live in comfort on your own boat. One of the benefits of being a tourist by boat in the Clyde area is the relative ease in visiting different places that are often separated by tens of miles of road, or only linked by air or ferry. In a sailing or power boat these journeys are simple and as a result are very satisfying. This is a world-class tourist area, with attractions ranging from archaeology and castles to distilleries and superb restaurants. It is almost as interesting being ashore as it is fun being afloat! EVENTS Not only is Scotland known for the quality of its cruising waters, it has

sail scotland 2020

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