One of Scotland’s longest-running yacht regattas has announced that they will be changing from their traditional CYCA handicap system to the new RYA AERA YTC handicap system for their 77th annual event in August 2025. The event has seen a steady increase in competitor numbers over recent years, with many boats travelling from Ireland and England to participate.
Gavin Marshall, Chairman of the Joint Regatta Committee said: “We feel that this is a very positive step forwards – as our event grows in popularity, and we welcome boats from further afield, it is appropriate that we use a national system. We would like to thank our friends at CYCA, for all of the help which they have provided over the years, and we look forward to the competitive racing that we are confident the YTC system will create.”
Principle Race Officer John Readman added: “Sailors have been trying to work out improved handicap systems since the invention of yacht racing two centuries ago. In this evolution, YTC seems the logical next step for handicapping boats racing in West Highland Yachting Week. I hope that this will prove attractive not just to Scottish owners, but sailors from Ireland, the south coast and the American boats expected to visit our wonderful sailing waters on the West Coast of Scotland this summer with the Cruising Club of America.”
West Highland Yachting Week is one of Scotland’s oldest regattas with a heritage reaching back to 1882. Each summer a mixed fleet of over 100 boats gather on Scotland’s stunning West Coast for a week of handicap racing. Since its inception the event has included a mixture of serious racing, and not-so-serious extras- today there are paddleboard races, baking competitions, lifeboat tours, and beach parties. The event travels from Croabh Haven to Oban and up the Sound of Mull to Tobermory and incorporates a mixture of round the cans and passage races. Each year the regatta includes both spinnaker classes and restricted sail classes, with the option to enter single races or the whole series. This flexibility attracts a wide range of sailors, from the most ardent racers to cruisers. With a strong family focus there are lots of young competitors and even a few four-legged crew members too.
AERA YTC is powered by the RORC Rating Office and the RYA. It is an initiative that seeks to promote club level participation in racing by cruising yachts and cruiser-racers. The objective is to provide a simple rating assessment so that skippers of any skill level may feel encouraged to race their boats.
West Highland Yachting Week will take place from 2nd-8th August 2025. Entries will open at the end of February.
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