17-05-2025
PICTURES: Kip Marina hosts first major event of Scotland's new sailing season
SAILORS from all over Scotland headed to the Clyde for the first major event of the new sailing season - the annual Kip Regatta.
A total of 32 small boats sailed into Kip Marina to compete in a weekend of racing in the Haven Knox-Johnston Kip Regatta.
Across the six different classes, boast were up against others of an equal speed and size, with each class racing for historic trophies presented by the Royal Western Yacht Club.
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(Image: Contributed) Prizes were up for grabs from race sponsors Helly Hansen, Gill, Tunnocks, Dubarry and Kingfisher along with the prestigious RWYC silverware.
The overall winners of each class were Sapphire (CYCA 2), Close Encounters (CYCA 4), Bounce Back (Etchells), Salamander XXII (IRC 1), Headhunter (IRC 3), and Inclusion (two-handed).
The champion's crown for the overall winner of the regatta went to the crew of Sapphire, from Helensburgh, who were the best performing yacht of the weekend after winning all four of their races.
(Image: Contributed)
(Image: Contributed) The Royal Western Yacht Club, which promotes small boat sailing on the Clyde, has been involved in running the regatta since the 1980s and said this year's weather was perfect for sailing.
A spokesperson said: "The racing was held off the waters of Inverkip which on the Saturday offered the perfect racing conditions.
"The steady breeze, glorious sunshine and clear waters enabled three tight races to be held.
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"The Sunday was a different day, with a shifty light northerly breeze offering different tactical options for the yachts, and one race was completed on the Sunday morning.
"We were once again pleased to work alongside Kip Marina to deliver a successful regatta which was enjoyed by the local and visiting yachts."
Kip Marina thanked all the competing boats, crews, and race committees for another fantastic event and said they were already lookijng forward to seeing everyone again next year.
