Class splits for the Handicap divisions at the 2026 Jura Scottish Series have been confirmed ahead of racing later this week on Loch Fyne. The four-day regatta, regarded as the north of Britain’s premier sailing event, will see defending champions return across both Handicap and One Design fleets.
Brian Hall’s Something Else, winner of IRC Class 1 in 2025, returns to defend its title in a 13-boat fleet that includes six J/109s. All four of last year’s leading J/109 teams are back in Tarbert, aiming to overturn Hall’s success.
IRC 2 sees the return of Nathan Batchelor and Adam Ovington’s Head Hunter, the Half Tonner, which dominated the class last year with four race wins and two second places.
Alan Macleod’s J/92 Samurai J, runner-up in 2025, is also back on the start line. The IRC Coastal fleet features several larger yachts racing coastal courses. Ian and Graham Thomson’s Swan 40 Sloop John T returns after finishing second last year.
Other entries include Bruce Douglas’s J/133 Spirit of Jacana and Jonathan Anderson’s Xaviera. One Design racing is expected to be closely contested once again.
In the Etchells class, overall Scottish Series champions Bounce Back, helmed by Allan Manuel, will attempt to secure a third consecutive title. Peter Judd’s Lock n Load, runner-up last year, leads the challenge to end the winning streak.
The Hunter 707 fleet is currently the strongest One Design class with 11 entries. Defending champions Eddie Batchelor and crew aboard Tsunami 2 return alongside the other top teams from 2025.
The Sigma 33 fleet also sees the return of defending champion Close Encounters.
Away from racing, organisers will also mark the contribution of former Scottish Series organiser Bronwen Angus, who recently died after an illness. The Clyde Cruising Club will host a Charity Sail/Cruise in Company on Sunday, 24 May, in her memory. Entry fees will be donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity. Participants are being encouraged to wear yellow in support of the event.
