Month: June 2021

Dear all,

 

With so much going on, I think it is time for a weekly update!

 

We are aware of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Argyll and Bute. However the WHYW committee remains committed to doing all that we can to ensure that this years WHYW goes ahead as planned – or as closely to plans – as possible.

 

Not only are we monitoring the situation on a regular basis, but we are in contact with RYA Scotland, whom I am pleased to say are being extremely helpful in assisting us in our aim to run the event.

 

So with this weeks update, I would urge you all please to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you are on the start line at the appointed hour! But please come with an open mind. We may have to make changes at the last minute. We will be preparing printed race instructions, but they will be worded in such a way as to allow the race officer maximum leeway in his decision making. It is likely that we will use a Whats App group to keep everyone informed, and this will be backed up with announcements on the VHF – channel 77.

 

Take care, and we will look forward to seeing you on the water.

 

Gavin Marshall.

Chairman West Highland Yachting Week.

Dear all,

 

I am very pleased to say that the Joint Regatta Committee are all committed to making this years West Highland Yachting Week happen. I was asked today if I could guarantee that it would go ahead, and I was very tempted to say “yes,” but alas I fear that is not within my powers. But do I believe it will go ahead? Yes, I do! We now have statements of interest from 55 boats, and as soon as we have the website doing what we want it to do, we will be asking you to convert those statements of interest into confirmed entries.

 

We are aiming for a full weeks racing, and in a format as close to the norm as possible, with two feeder races on Saturday 31^st July, one from Gigha, and the other from Oban. Sunday 1^st August will see the fleet racing round Shuna of Craobh Haven. After a second night at Craobh, the fleet will head up to Oban on Monday 2^nd, before a race round Lismore on Tuesday. On Wednesday the fleet will go on to Tobermory, for a two night stay there, with the hope of a days racing “round the cans” off Tobermory, before returning to Oban on Friday 6^th August.

 

As I say the aim is to stick as closely to the normal format as possible. We will of course have to make some concessions to the times in which we live, the one being that there will be no organisation of formal social events. And as the race committee is likely to be working with restricted numbers, the emphasis for the week will be on passage racing.

 

One other departure from the norm is that we will be offering two classes for shorthanded crews – boats with no more than two persons on board. For those who like their bubbles small, this may be an attractive option.

 

Whatever your racing preferences, I very much hope you will join us – I believe it promises to be an excellent week, and hopefully worth the wait!

 

Gavin Marshall,

Chairman Joint Regatta Committee,

West Highland Yachting Week.