Twenty yachts have confirmed their attendance at the prestigious Fife Regatta which is now less than four weeks away. Making passage from California to Scotland will be Fife's 1923 yacht Astor(86ft). She is a Schooner design, two masts, with a very attractive sail plan and will be a major attraction to enthusiasts and admirers.
The event will commence on the 28th June with the yachts congregating in Largs Yacht Haven and larger vessels anchoring in the Largs channel. This is only 2 miles north of the village of Fairlie where the Fife Boat Yard once stood. Racing and passage cruises will take place through to Friday 5th July with an itinerary offering great sailing, scenery and Scottish hospitality.
William Fife followed in the footsteps of his father who designed many yachts including Ayrshire Lass who dates back to 1887, making her 126 years old. She will be our most senior participant in the event and it is with great excitement that she will set sail after a few years of rest ashore. The event not only includes the oldest sailing Fife yacht but also the last yacht built by William Fife III at the Fairlie yard in 1938, Solway maid. She will be sailing with her sisters on the Clyde for the fourth time and together with Mignon they will be the only Fife yachts to have competed in all four Fife Regattas, hosted every five years since 1998.
After seven years ashore Kentra, a stunning 100ft Gaff- Ketch, was re-launched at Fairlie Quay on the 29th April. This was a very symbolic occasion given the close proximity to her place of build and launch in 1923. Fairlie and Fife are synonymous and it was a very special way to greet our first entrant of the 2013 Regatta. Kenta is now berthed in Largs Yacht Haven and will soon be joined by Astor,(sail number 88) who together shall celebrate their 90th birthdays this year.
Become familiar with the participants by visiting the Regatta website and chatting with us on facebook. This is where you will find news stories, galleries of images, full list of entrants, the event itinerary and the unique Fife Regatta merchandise. Celebrate the event and support this exceptional collection of vintage sailing vessels which display grace and power in equal proportions with their beauty.
Website: www.fiferegatta.com facebook: The Fife Regatta
The itinerary of the event is as follows:
Day Race details Overnight destination
Friday 28June No racing Largs Yacht Haven
Saturday 29 June Round Cumbraes Race Largs Yacht Haven
Sunday 30June Largs to Rothesay Race Rothesay
Monday 01 July Cruise Rothesay to Tighnabruaich Tighnabruaich
Tuesday 02 July Portavadie/Inchmarnock Race Portavadie Marina
Wednesday 03 July Lay Day Portavadie Marina
Thursday 04 July Portavadie to Largs Race Largs Yacht Haven
Friday 05 July Kings Course Race & Prize giving Largs Yacht Haven
