Largs & Millport Weekly News | Sport | Winners of the Fife yacht regatta

Thursday, 16th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00

Winners of the Fife yacht regatta

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The penultimate race in the 2008 Fife regatta was preceded by a sumptuous party in Mount Stewart House, the home of the Marquis of Bute last Wednesday night. The fleet cruised in company, from Rothesay Bay up the east Kyle to Tighnabruaich.

For those who had not seen the Kyles of Bute before, this in itself is a visual feast. But the scene of the start amidst the spectacular scenery with these magnificent boats would have done credit to any Hollywood studio.

As the fleet headed south past Ardlamont Point and Inchmarnock the majestic backdrop of the mountains on Arran had the snappers scurrying for their cameras again. A short sharp rain squall hustled the fleet past Garroch Head but here the disparity of size really took its toll. While the big boats revelled in the fresh conditions the three smallest, Ayrshire Lass, Lucky Girl and Ierne all retired. Once the rain squall passed, the fleet arrived back into the Clyde and headed for Largs Yacht Haven, the sun resumed its proper place and all ‘lived to fight another day’.

The last race was something of an anticlimax in terms of the results, as the finishing order was identical to the order of both classes before the race. With a steady south easterly breeze and an occasional glimmer of sunshine on the historic King’s course there were no obvious upsets in the order of events. A running start off Largs Yacht Haven gave the big boats positions at the first mark generally in line with their place in the fleet.

Altair won class 1 with a convincing four firsts. Second was Moonbeam just 2 points behind with four seconds and Halloween took the last spot on the podium with 12 points.

Mikado was the clear winner in class 2 counting 3 firsts. The second place was hard fought with the Truant and Rosemary III both on 10 points. The Truant took it because she had a better discard. Viola, the star of the regatta (at one hundred years old this year) came in a creditable fourth in class 2.

No doubt many insurers will be greatly relieved that these wonderful boats, recently described (rather inadequately) as the vintage Bentleys of the sea, had no severe weather or collisions. Let us hope that they will all grace our shores once more in 2013.

Paul Jeffes