#SCOTTISH SERIES –With less than three weeks until the start of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series which will take place over the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend 1 to 4 June on Loch Fyne, event organisers Clyde Cruising Club (CCC) is receiving a steady stream of entries across the classes while the local organisers in Tarbert, Loch Fyne are already well ahead with the infrastructure provision required to host the north of Britain's premier sailing regatta.
Entries are building in strength in the core IRC Classes but also there is increased interest in the CYCA Classes where one of the main attractions over this celebratory holiday weekend is proving to be Sunday 3 June Round Inch race which is open to all-comers as a standalone event. The overall winner of this race is calculated under CYCA handicapping. CCC has noted a growing interest for the simple, picturesque out and back course.
"Really I feel as happy as I can be with the entries so far. This year we decided to offer one level of entry fee with no 'early bird' discount and so we are seeing a steady influx of entries and I feel we will continue to receive entries until the very last minute. Recognising the pressures on owners and crew we have tried to be as adaptable to peoples' needs as possible." Comments John Readman who chairs the Clyde Cruising Club's Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series organising committee.
"And the good news is that we are looking forward to welcoming many boats which we have not seen before."
In Tarbert the preparations are already well under way. A new focal point is guaranteed through the establishment of a new mini regatta village area on the hard standing area which has been created on the north side of the harbour area. With new pontoons presently being put in place, all of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series armada will now be hosted on the north side of the harbour rather than on the Fish Quay.
"In fact we will have three marquees which will form a horseshoe shape on the former boatyard site and so we are really starting to benefit from all the infrastructure investment Tarbert has had and the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series is a great showcase to show it off and to put it to best use." Says John Hardie of Tarbert Enterprise Council.
"Now with this set up we are pretty sure that we will have a place where all the sailors will meet up after racing and enjoy a drink and some chat. Tarbert is really looking forwards to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a big Tea Party on the Sunday as well."
"There is a really positive exciting buzz to Tarbert at the moment, better than I remember it for a long time. The waterfront development has been a massive success and the pubs and hotels are now offering a really good range of options. For example, the Anchor Hotel has had a big refurbishment and the Starfish café is popular and doing well, there is so much good choice to be enjoyed. I feel like Tarbert is really stepping up to the plate."
