Over 200 years of maritime history around Largs and Fairlie is spotlighted over the next week at the 2013 Fife Regatta.

After the resounding success of the 1998, 2003 and 2008 regattas the newest quinqueenial event will run from 28th June to 5th July.

This invitation only event invites the famous Fife Yachts to return to their birthplace on the Clyde and to participate in a unique regatta. As with the previous Fife Regattas participants will enjoy the spectacular scenery and hospitality starting with a civic reception from North Ayrshire Council Provost Joan Sturgeon.

A special committee, supported by Largs Yacht Haven, has set up this fifth regatta since the late 1990s.

If you plan to watch the 21 boat Fife fleet over the next week, here is an indication of the racing schedule.

Saturday 29 June, Race 1, The Cumbraes Race, start time 11am.

It will see the fleet race round Great Cumbrae. Split into 3 classes, the larger yachts will aim to go round twice, and the smaller boats once.

The Cumbraes Race - please click to enlarge If you are watching from land, Largs Yacht Haven will provide the best vantage point to see the yachts start and finish. Or, why not rent a bicycle in Millport and follow the fleet round.

If you plan to watch racing afloat, organisers ask you to respect the racing fleet as there will be a Safety Zone, as in 2008, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of both competitors and spectators.

Sunday 30 June - The Rothesay Race, starting 11am.

Race 2 sees the fleet sail to Rothesay Bay, Bute. Again starting off Largs Yacht Haven, the larger yachts will skirt the mainland up to either Wemyss Bay or Inverkip (dependant on wind strength), before heading west. The smaller yachts will take a more direct course.

There should be great spectating opportunities at Largs, Skelmorlie, Wemyss Bay and Inverkip (wind dependant) on the mainland, then in Rothesay for the race finish.

Monday - Cruise to Tighnabruaich: Monday morning sees the fleet cruise through the East Kyle of Bute, carefully navigating the narrows at Burnt Islands, before anchoring at Tighnabruaich.

Tuesday 2 July, Race 3, The Loch Fyne Race; start 11am.

The fleet start in beautiful Kames Bay, heading south. Larger yachts will round Inchmarnock to starboard, then head to the finish situated off Portavadie Marina. Smaller yachts will round Ardlamont Point then turn north-west.

Thursday 4 July, Race 4, The Bute Race, start 11am.

The penultimate race sees the fleet leave Portavadie Marina then head back to Largs, rounding Garroch Head, Bute, through 'The Tan' (between Great Cumbrae and Little Cumbrae), before finishing off Largs Yacht Haven.

Millport and Largs should provide great vantage points for the returning fleet, and those viewers afloat rarely get such a beautiful photograph opportunity as the Fife fleet with the stunning crags of Arran as a backdrop.

Friday 5 July, Race 5, The King's Course Race, starts 11am.

For the final race, we will again see a race course first used in 1891 - The King's Course. Boats will start in Largs Channel, then head in an anti-clockwise direction around three marks.

The start line will be located just to the north of Largs Pier, offering spectators on Largs promenade an excellent view of the race start and finish. The coast road north of Largs should also provide great spectating points.

Spectators afloat should be aware of the Cumbrae ferry which will be operating to the south of the start/finish area. It has right of way under local by-law. Again, please respect the competitors who are racing for regatta placings, and may have limited maneuverability.

Classic William Fife yachts are graceful machines, but with their complex rigging, long keels and large overhangs, they do need substantial space in order to be able to manoeuvre safely, especially during race starts.

Due to the high number of spectator craft that they expect at the race starts in Largs Channel, organisers respectfully request that spectator craft vacate an area to windward and leeward of the start line, before and after each start, to avoid collisions and allow fair racing for competitors. Consult info@fiferegatta.com