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26 August 2007

Round Cumbraes Race Report

Round the Island Race
at Largs Annual Regatta Week
25 August 2007 – Day 1

Racing Round the Islands of Great and Little Cumbrae was the format of the day at Larg’s annual Regatta. The Yachts set off first and were followed by the dinghy fleets and windsurfer fleet. The start line was just south of the marina entrance and the first leg of the course took the boats through the Largs Channel before continuing round the islands.

With Westerly winds the spinnakers were hoisted through the ‘Tann’ between the islands which must have looked spectacular if you happened to be on Millport beach. The Keel boat fleets were doing a figure of eight course and as a result there were boats crossing in the ‘Tann’ all with spinnakers but some going North to South, whilst others, making the return coming South to North.

The Dinghies had a fantastic downwind leg on the west side of Cumbrae and the 49er and the formula windsurfers were really moving fast in the fresh force 4. Liz Balmforth, Pure Magic, said “it was great breeze and fantastic to watch the dinghies and the formula windsurfers speeding through the keelboat fleets”. Eleven Toppers made the 12 mile sail round and the winner was Jamie Noyes in his boat haggis. Andy McDaid won the laser fleet and will be challenging his competitors in the series of evening races starting on Tuesday.

In Class 1 Local Hero dominated the fleet of 17 yachts and not only won the days race but was also awarded the Scottish Enterprise Rose Bowl for overall winner of the event. Owner Geoff Howison said “it has been the best racing weekend this season with well set courses and excellent organization.”

The prize giving was well attended and the prizes were presented by Mr & Mrs Henderson representing Clydeport. Mr Henderson, Clydeport’s Deputy Harbour Master, was really pleased with the entry of 153 boats over the course of the weekend and is keen to see the event develop over the next few years.

Midweek racing will have keelboats and dinghies racing in the Channel over three evenings. The Scottish 2 handed race will take place over Saturday and Sunday with class 1 boats circumnavigating Arran.

The full results are posted on www.scottishsailinginstitute.com and www.largssc.co.uk

Ends
Contact details:
Joanna Turner
Scottish Sailing Institute, Largs Yacht Haven, Largs T: 01475 670011 M: 07786 736907