The Royal Highland Yacht Club (RHYC) has reflected on a busy summer programme, with its annual Mid-Summer Muster, West Highland Week, and the arrival of the Clipper Round the World Race fleet all contributing to a successful season.
The club's Mid-Summer Muster began on 11 July with settled weather and a shoreside barbecue at Lochaline Harbour, attended by around 75 members and guests. Numbers grew to 151 the following day, including prospective new members, for a hog roast and social gathering following a welcome from the Commodore.
Summer Gathering: RHYC members and guests enjoy the club's Mid-Summer Muster shoreside gathering before the cruising fleet departed on its cruise in company along Scotland's west coast
The cruising fleet then departed under the Commodore's flag for a cruise in company along the Sound of Mull.
The first overnight stop was Loch na Droma Buidhe, where members gathered aboard the Commodore's yacht to discuss the planned route for the following days. The cruise continued to the Isle of Muck for a beach barbecue before moving on to Plockton, where 31 members enjoyed an evening meal at the Plockton Hotel.
The cruise concluded the following day, with yachts dispersing to continue cruising or return to their home ports.
Although not an RHYC event, the club also highlighted the visit of the Clipper Round the World Race fleet to Oban, where the yachts completed Leg 12 before departing on 19 July for the 920-nautical-mile final leg to Portsmouth.
Clipper Stopover: The Clipper Round the World Race fleet berthed in Oban after completing Leg 12, giving visitors the chance to tour the yachts before the final sprint to Portsmouth
West Highland Week also returned in more favourable conditions than the previous year, with all scheduled feeder races and championship races completed. A fleet of 79 boats competed across eight classes in mixed weather, with RHYC members recording several strong performances.
The club's best result came in Class 6 with second place, while other notable finishes included third in Class 4, fourth in Class 3 and sixth in Class 8. The RHYC said it continues to welcome visiting yachts and prospective members to its events throughout the year.
