Two of the UK's most vibrant, exciting one design keelboat classes are spearheading a spike in early entry numbers for the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, the north of the UK's most prestigious annual sailing event.

The SB3 class and the RS Elite keelboats which appeal to different markets – the SB3 a fast, exciting planing sportsboat, and the RS Elite a refined, but simple to sail modern classic, are leading and encouraging an increase in activity for some of the more accessible, sporty classes for this year's Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series.

The SB3 class is building steadily again in Scotland and the North of Britain is promising the biggest turnout ever for the class on the waters of Loch Fyne with 12 owners already promising to compete, reflecting the renewed interest in the SB3 as an affordable, exciting three to four person strict one design, which has a global following.

And the RS Elite class is promising to draw around 10 boats, most making the enjoyable pilgrimage to Tarbert from Ireland.

"We are very excited to see these classes forming at reasonable strength already, thanks in some ways to the hard work being put in by some of the leading lights of both fleets, but we are hopeful that this regatta will be the catalyst for further growth for the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series at Tarbert, Loch Fyne," reflects Johnny Readman, event organiser.

For the SB3 class, racing at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series will be for the Scottish Championship title.

Doug Paton, defending champion and class captain in Scotland, will be looking to defend the title he and his crew won on the Clyde last year, racing F.C -N.K. in a bigger stronger fleet. Dublin Bay's Brian Moran and his crew expected to be casting their challenge with Shark Bait, looking to add the Scottish title to the Irish Championship which they won last year against a fleet of more than 30 boats on their home waters. Among the top contenders from the North of England will be Sunderland's John Outhwaite and his crew on Baloo.

A new initiative which facilitates easy, economic dry sailing: the SB3's has gained considerable traction for the class at the new James Watt Dock Marina at Greenock on the Clyde. The class has worked tirelessly to create an attractive package for SB3 at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, including a £43 package price on the Bute ferry which reduces the driving time from Gourock to Portavadie to 50 minutes. They have secured a package price for accommodation at Portavadie Marina at £45/per three person room per night.

The RS Elite class has become a regular feature of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series which features on the class Grand Slam Series for the first time since 2010. Edinburgh's Shaun Maclean on Elixir has been the most consistent winner in the class at Tarbert and is looking to defend his Tarbert record in June. Among those Scottish crews which are likely to challenge are the Forth's Carl Allen in More T Vicar. A strong contingent is expected from the Royal North of Ireland YC.

"The main thing about the RS Elite is it is so easy to use. I sailed in the Dragon Class for 20 years and with the Elite you turn up, put the boat in the water and it is easy to go sailing with a minimum of fuss and controls to worry about. I enjoy proper Championship races, a maximum number of windward-leeward races in a day, and so look forward to that at Tarbert this year. It is a very good showcase for the class, nice simple, quick boats and we hope that others will be persuaded to join the class," says Maclean who finished runner-up at the RS Elite UK National Championships on the Forth last year.

#SCOTTISH SERIES – No sooner had Brewin Dolphin Scottish Sailing Series winner Jim Dick received the Scottish Series Trophy, the prestigious top award, than the Humberside owner-skipper pledged to return to Tarbert, Loch Fyne in 2012 to try and defend the title again.

Dick, a retired business executive, is set to honour that promise and is presently putting together his campaign which he hopes will see Jackaroo retain the major trophy.

"We have such good memories from last year aside from the enjoyment of winning outright. For us it was as much about enjoying the surroundings, the camaraderie of the team and at the event, and Tarbert itself," recalls Dick.

The J/97 owner is hoping that this year his son Steve, who is a paramedic, will be able to join the Jackaroo team and enjoy the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series for the first time, during the Queen's Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

The 2012 Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series will be the first of a series of events in the UK for Jackaroo which is likely to include the J/Cup on the Solent in July, the J/97 National Championships and the JP Morgan Round the Island Race.

His passion for sailing took Jim Dick to compete as a crew member on 'Hull and Humber' in the 2007-8 Clipper Round the World Race.

Completely inspired by the transformation that participation in the race made to the lives of some of the Hull and Humber's young crew, who were part of a social inclusion programme, helping them develop skills and self confidence which subsequently helped them find employment or advance into education or further training, Dick became co-founder of CatZero, an organisation which has subsequently helped hundreds of young people find a purpose in their lives.

"When I saw the transformation in the ten young people on board, much higher self esteem, very enthusiastic about what they were doing and how they became valued members of the crew, that progressed to setting up CatZero."

Funding from the NHS enabled the purchase for CatZero of a 72 foot Challenge yacht which is used to take youngsters on 10-day passages from Hull to the Orkney Islands.

"Of course this is a big challenge to some of these young people, standing four hour watches, dealing with sea sickness, the conditions can be extreme, but the results are incredible. Over three years we have had 418 young people, some who have been very difficult or in very difficult life situations, on board and 285 have gone on to jobs, education or training. A lot have had underlying problems, being bullied, homelessness or the like, but the results are remarkable."

In order to help raise funds towards the annual budget of £250,000 which it costs to keep the programme rolling, CatZero sells berths aboard the 72 footer for major races such as the ARC Race in which they won their class and the Fastnet Race.

The Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series 2012 will take place over the Queen's Jubilee weekend from Friday 1 June to Monday 4 June in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, on Scotland's stunning West Coast, a week later than usual.

#scottishseries – The organisers of  Scotland's bigest sailnig event, the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series at Tarbert have announced changes on and off the water at this year's event, creating a festival of sailing for competitors and spectators alike. The Clyde Cruising Club has also renewed its appeal for Irish sailors to come to Tarbert, an event Cork sailors have previously won overall.

This year's Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series will take place over the Queen's Jubilee weekend from Friday 1 June to Monday 4 June in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, on Scotland's stunning West Coast, a week later than usual.

The focus is on quality racing with three race areas on the broad waters of the Loch providing racing for IRC classes, One Design classes and CYCA (Scottish) Handicap classes (with and without spinnakers). Those taking part can also expect to see:

New courses for all classes providing variety and alternatives to standard windward/ leeward courses

The introduction of a single daytime Inshore Coastal Race on Sunday 3 June for IRC classes

The Round the Island Race on Sunday 3 June is open to all yachts with CYCA handicaps to join the Scottish Series yachts in CYCA classes to race for the day

In addition, the RS Elite Class Association is hosting the Scottish leg and first of their four Grand Slam Events at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, while the Laser SB3 Class Association will hold their Scottish National Championship during the event.

Organisers also anticipate a hive of activity shoreside by concentrating activities on the north shore of Tarbert, where yachts will be berthed. Amongst various entertainment line-ups, visitors will see the marquee back in full swing. The new shoreside marquee complex will include a bar where competitors can meet, relax and socialise post racing. The daily prize-giving will also be held in the new marquee complex. Competitors and visitors can expect to continue experiencing the hustle and bustle of Tarbert throughout the Jubilee holiday weekend.

John Watson, Commodore of Clyde Cruising Club, commenting on the changes said, "We anticipate this year's Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series to be even more exciting than in previous years. It will be great to see the likes of last year's winner, Jackaroo from IRC 3, returning to defend his trophy and previous winners returning hoping to wrest it back.

"We hope for more than 100 entries and 1000 crew and supporters again this year and think the changes being made to the event structure will promote a festival of sailing on and off the water.

"We would encourage more sailors from across the UK and further afield to consider entering the event and past competitors to continue to return to the stunning waters of Loch Fyne to soak up the wonderful atmosphere Tarbert has to offer."

Scottish skipper-helm Hamish Mackay and a core crew, which between them have won the premier trophy nine times lifted the Scottish Series Trophy this evening after two further race wins today. They sealed a conclusive overall victory in IRC Class 4 on Loch Fyne at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series.

After triumphing twice, back to back in 2001 and 2002, Mackay becomes only the second skipper or helm to win the overall top trophy three times in the 36 year history of the regatta.

Steering Humberside father and son duo Jim and Steve Dick's J97 Jackaroo, Mackay and crew scored no worse than second and won four times over their six races which were sailed in predominantly strong winds over the four day series. They finished nine points clear of an identical J97, Jaywalker, owned and steered by Clyde helm Iain Laidlaw.

"I have never been up here before but I will certainly be back. It has been such a fun, friendly regatta and winning overall just adds to it. Hamish and the crew have done us a great job. We only got the boat last year and have been learning about it all the time," commented Jackaroo's owner Jim Dick.

"I loved the sailing and the social side of it, it has been just wonderful. Seeing the boat go well and having fun at the same time has been a really good combination. The sailing is hosted in such a fantastic, beautiful location. I am half Scot myself with a father from Anstruther where my uncle had a shoe repair shop."

Dick, who retired four years ago, started and runs a charity in Hull, Cat Zero, which provides sail training and experience for young people who are unemployed.

"It is always a surprise to win. All you can do is win your class and get yourself on to the short list and see what happens. The Class 1 boat Tokoloshe put together a good series but all we could do was win our own fleet. The boat is excellent and we had some excellent people on the boat and that really made the difference. I don't think I can really remember when it was last it was as windy here as it was over the weekend, certainly not racing in a consistent 35 knots, but I was surprised that the race officers started us but I was pleased they did, did a good job getting us going," said Mackay, past chairman of the Royal Yachting Association in Scotland and former Olympic trialist.

"Every year is challenging. Today faired typically difficult Tarbert conditions, with the breezes coming down off the land. So we were keen to be on top of it today and to get two firsts to get ourselves on the short list, which we did. So we are all very pleased. It is a premier regatta, I'm happy we did it."

After a weekend of very testing strong winds today, Monday, Loch Fyne delivered crews a final reminder of how good conditions can be for the north of Britain's premier annual regatta.

Though there was still a chill in the air and the very early morning was punctuated by a heavy hail storm, the sun shone through both races which were completed and the moderate westerly breezes averaged 12 knots but varied from 7-18 knots up and down the three course areas set.

The Jackaroo crew, Mackay, Peter Cameron, George Purves, Billy Russell Jr, Jon Fitzgerald and Roddy Anderson, all native Scots, along with owner Dick, were pushed hard in the overall decision for the 107 boat regatta's top trophy. South African Mike Bartholomew and his team on the King 40 Tokoloshe overcame the challenge from double Scottish Series winner Anthony O'Leary to win IRC Class 1. In CYCA Class 7 Valhalla of Ashton, a Gourock based Swan 36 of Alan Dunnet, won overall with three first places and two second place finishes.

The Class 1 title was down to a duel between rivals Antix and Tokoloshe. The South African flagged boat, on owner Mike Bartholomew's first visit to Loch Fyne had a one point lead to protect ahead of Anthony O'Leary's Irish crew across today's two races. The first contest started with an immediate dilemma for the Series leaders. Antix crossed the start line early and had to restart.

But Tokoloshe's tactician Mike Richards may be from the very south of England but has enough experience of Loch Fyne to know to stick close to your rival rather than try to go off and win the race. That proved crucial as they were able to stay close enough to Antix to ensure they had the better of them in the first race and then secured the class title by winning the final race by 16 seconds ahead of the Cork crew on Antix.

Royal Cork's Anthony O'Leary, who has won the Scottish Series award twice, is in Tarbert bidding to win for a third time 30 years exactly since the Trophy first went to Ireland when it was won by Frank Woods on the Castro designed One Tonner Justine III. This year Irish travellers to Scotland are down as is the overall attendance for tomorrow's event.

For all that the total entry may have compacted down in recent years due largely to the pressures of the global economy and the net consequence of more carefully allocated holiday or leisure times, the core entry for the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series is as richly laden with high quality talent and past winners as ever.
The north of Britain's most prestigious annual sailing regatta starts Friday morning and the 107 crews look like they are in for more breezy weather on Loch Fyne. Of course over more than 30 years of racing on the loch, strong winds are nothing new.

Regulars who year in year out set aside the May Bank Holiday weekend to race on the spectacular waters of the sea loch, have returned to work each Tuesday as often with sunburn as they have borne the obvious effects of four days in unrelenting wind and chilly temperatures.
But the majority of these next few days seem set to be given over to the latter.
It will matter little to the hard core. Four skippers will be looking to match Jonathan Anderson's record of three overall Scottish Series wins. Perhaps the best chance of achieving this hallowed hat-trick rests again with Hamish Mackay who won in consecutive years 2001 and 2002.
Ten years on from that last win Mackay, past Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association will be helping campaign a J97 Jackaroo in IRC Class 4, which recently dominated at the warm-up Savills Regatta on the Clyde winning the overall top trophy.
Clyde sailmaker John Highcock is also bidding for a third win of the overall top award, after helping veteran John Corson to secure the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series Trophy last year with his Corby 33 Salamander XX. The same team which won last year remains intact, with the boat unchanged from victory last May.
Chris Bonar, who won in 1985 and 1997, returns with his crew on Bateleur 97, a BH36 which competes in IRC Class 1 up against Anthony O'Leary, from Royal Cork YC, who has also won the top award twice.
Racing starts Friday for all classes and concludes Monday.
"It looks like it will be a nice compact regatta during which we can maximise our ability to run good racing, and the amenity values of Tarbert will be at their highest. It is gratifying to see that the IRC and the CYCA Handicap classes' entries have stood up well. And after the event we will look a little closer at why the entries for some of the sporstboat and smaller one design classes are down," said John Readman, chair of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series organisers the Clyde Cruising Club.

Clyde Cruising Club, organiser of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, is inviting yachts from around Scotland and further afield to join in Scotland's Round the Island Race. The one day event takes place during the Scottish Series in Tarbert, Loch Fyne on Sunday 29 May.

The event is the usual Sunday Race for CYCA yachts taking part in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, but is now open to those unable to take part in all four days of racing over the bank holiday weekend.

The race sees yachts setting off from Tarbert, sailing round the southern part of Loch Fyne before rounding Inchmarnock Island and finishing at Tarbert.

Interested sailors are invited to log on to www.brewindolphinscottishseries.com for more information and the entry form.

Johnnie Readman, event organiser, said "We decided to open the Round the Island event to encourage those keen to take part in the Scottish Series but aren't able to assemble a crew for the whole weekend, to sign up and get involved for one day.

"It's set to be a great event with a good number of yachts lined up already. What's more, being in Tarbert on the Saturday and Sunday nights means sailors can take part in the shoreside festivities Tarbert is renowned for as well, including fireworks on Saturday and an aerobatic display on Sunday."

The 2011 Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series takes place over the bank holiday weekend from Friday 27 to Monday 30 May in Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the Clyde Estuary. Three race areas on the broad waters of the Loch will provide separate racing for IRC classes; One Design classes and CYCA classes (with and without spinnakers).

Clyde Cruising Club, organisers of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series, is encouraging sailing enthusiasts to sign up online for this year's event, with this years entry form and notice of race now available online by logging on to the dedicated Scottish Series website - www.brewindolphinscottishseries.com

Last year 133 boats and their crews took part, and event organiser Clyde Cruising Club is hoping to beat this figure in 2011, encouraging sailors thinking about entering to sign up while the early bird discount is available.

Johnnie Readman, event organiser, said "Last year's event was a huge success and I have no doubt that this year's competition will be even more fun.

"We have introduced a number of changes this year in order to offer variety and encourage more entries from the UK and abroad. The changes include new courses and variations for all fleets, the introduction of a short Inshore Coastal race for IRC classes, some shore based starts for the CYCA classes, and replacement of the IRC sportsboats handicap starts with One Design class starts.

"We would encourage all sailors interested in coming along to sign up as soon as possible."

The 2011 Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series takes place during the bank holiday weekend from Friday 27 to Monday 30 May in Tarbert on Scotland's stunning West Coast.

Today private client investment manager, Brewin Dolphin, announces its continued commitment to sponsor the Scottish Series, Scotland's premier sailing regatta, in 2011.

The Scottish Series has thrived during Brewin Dolphin's eleven year sponsorship growing awareness and numbers over the period. The event, which generates around £1 million each year for the local economy, has been running for over 30 years and attracts over 1,200 competitors to the picturesque Loch Fyne, over the May holiday weekend.

Commenting on the decision, Jamie Matheson, chairman of Brewin Dolphin, said, "We are pleased to announce our continued sponsorship of the world renowned Scottish Series. Our name has become synonymous with the event and we are delighted to be able to support it for yet another year."

Howard Morrison, Commodore of Clyde Cruising Club, event organisers, added, "The Scottish Series is a key event in the sailing calendar and we would like to thank Brewin Dolphin for their continued sponsorship of the Scottish Series. The funding will not only help develop the event, but also benefit sailing across Scotland."

Brewin Dolphin also sponsors the under 16 and under 18 youth rugby competition, the Scottish Schools Cup, which sees over 4,500 children taking part each year. As lead sponsors of both competitions, Brewin Dolphin has been able to support the drive to increase participation in both sports, whilst communicating with its target audiences.

With just over a week to go until the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series sets sail, double Gold Olympic medalist Shirley Robertson, is calling on sailors from across the UK, and further a field, to sign up to this year’s event.  

Shirley Robertson OBE, event ambassador, said: “The Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series is Scotland’s premier sailing regatta and I would encourage all enthusiasts to take up the challenge and be part of the successful event. 

“Tarbert, Loch Fyne, is a fantastic location with perfect conditions for a challenging and exciting sailing experience.  Scotland’s west coast has a lot to offer on the water but also shoreside socially, and I urge those thinking about entering the Scottish Series this year to do so as it’s a great weekend had by all who attend.”

Over 130 boats from across UK and beyond have already signed up, including previous competitors Fiona Hicks, Gery Trentesaux and Anthony O’Leary. As well as regular participants such as Chris Tiso on Thunderbird of Rhu and Boyd Tunnock on his boat Lemarac.

Event organiser, Jeremy Glen, said “A number of past competitors are returning again this year and we have a number of new boats on board which is testament to the success of the event. 

“Sailors who sign up will experience an action packed weekend of sailing and shoreside activity in Tarbert where there is never a dull moment. It’s a fantastic way to spend the bank holiday weekend, so here’s hoping for some sunshine to top off the weekend experience.”

In preparation for this year's Commodore's cup ICRA members will be interested to know that France is fielding a strong sailing challenge at the Scottish series in two weeks time which means Royal Cork's Anthony O'Leary will get all the competition he is looking for and more when he arrives on Lough Fyne.

Both French teams will compete in IRC Class 1 at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series up against two previous winners of the overall Scottish Series Trophy, Ireland’s Anthony O’Leary on the Ker 39 Antix and three times winner Jonathan Anderson on Playing FTSE.

The magic of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series continues to spread into Northern Europe and the premier regatta in the north of Britain has drawn two key French entries among the fleet which is set to muster on Loch Fyne from May 28-31st. 

The regatta has become a firm favourite with a small number of French skippers and crews and there have been regular visits from competitors from Brittany and beyond. 

In particular, as well as the excellent IRC handicap racing, the French visitors who make the long passage up the Irish Sea enjoy the relaxed ambience of the regatta and this historic, picturesque setting of Tabert which is similar to their native coastline. 

In 2008 the overall Scottish Series Trophy went to France for the first time when Gery Trentesaux skippered and steered his La Trinite based Beneteau First 45 to win Class 1. Trentesaux had been one of the most regular visitors from France over the recent history of the Scottish Series. Twice Trenteseaux has captained victorious teams to win the Rolex Commdore’s Cup, the most sought after international offshore racing team Trophy, but he has been a Scottish Series disciple for many years, spreading the word to his compatriots. 

Jacques Pelletier is from the same mould as Trenteseaux, a keen offshore racer who enjoys the challenge of travelling to regattas and races which interest him and his crew. He was due to race last year but had to withdraw at the last minute, but raced at Tarbert three times before, most recently in 2008. 

He, too, has twice represented France in the Commodore’s Cup. A retired businessman from Paris, Pelletier has done seven Figaro races across the Atlantic. 

Newcomers this year are the St Malo based crew of the J122 Nutmeg IV, owned and skippered by Francois Lognone. 

“It is the first time we come to Scotland to race but all of our French friends who have already raced in past years at Tarbert always return talking of the magic. So this year we will race, and go on and do a little bit of cruising. We have had the boat for three years, but from St Malo we regularly compete at Cowes Week, the Fastnet and the Round the Island race. But we are not at the same level as Géry Trentesaux!” remarks Lognone. 

 

 

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