Largs Sailing Tourism Group is currently working with a group of retailers to develop and test a scheme encouraging sailors to spend money in the town.

This year Largs Sailing Club and Scottish Sailing Institute are hosting the International Flying Dutchman World Championships (11-19 July), and the UKLA Laser Open and National Championships (9-15 August), and competitors in these events will be targeted with a “shop local” initiative.

Dave Hewitt, Assistant Manager at Largs Yacht Haven, explained: “The spending power of marine visitors is important to our local economy. These two major sailing events will bring hundreds of sailors and their families to Largs. And we want these visitors to go into town where they can spend money in local shops. So we’re setting up a test scheme this year involving some retailers who will offer something to sailors who shop in their business. Sailors will receive a time limited membership card to show at the time they make purchases in order to receive their discount or whatever bonus participating retailers wish to offer.” John Hamilton, Largs BID manager added: “We will monitor the scheme’s effectiveness this year, with a view to rolling it out to more businesses next year. And it’s not too late to get involved. If any retailers wish to take part in the trial scheme, they should contact Dave Hewitt on 01475 675333, or email him at dave@largsyachthaven.com.”