Latest news with #KevinPacker
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stranraer prepares to host 2025 Scottish Fin and Foil Championships
The wind sports event takes place on Loch Ryan just weeks after the town hosted the record-breaking SkiffieWorlds 2025. Stranraer is gearing up to host the Scottish Fin and Foil Championships. The wind sports event takes place on Loch Ryan in August just weeks after the town hosted the record-breaking coastal rowing world championships, SkiffieWorlds 2025. Fin and Foil, now in its third year, will see 80 to 100 of the UK's finest windsurfers, wing foilers, hydrofoil sailors, and their coaches, converge on Stranraer. Competitors will take part in four days of training, followed by three days of spectacular high-speed racing across multiple classes from August 8 to 10. The event is being supported by Stranraer Water Sports Association and trustee Kevin Packer said: 'We are thrilled to welcome another world-class water sports event to Loch Ryan. The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships offer spectators a completely different experience to SkiffieWorlds, but an equally enjoyable one. The sight of these colourful sails and lightning-fast hydrofoils racing across our beautiful loch is spectacular. 'The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships showcase the cutting-edge technology and athleticism of modern wind sports. We encourage everyone who enjoyed the festival atmosphere of SkiffieWorlds to come and experience something completely different, and to even have a go themselves.' The championship event is unique in the UK and is supported by RYA Scotland and the UK Windsurfing Association. At least four races will take place each day, which can be viewed from the shore or on water by spectators. Chair of Scottish Fin and Foil, Danny Hawthorn, said: "Loch Ryan offers the perfect combination of reliable wind conditions, sheltered waters, and excellent shore access that makes it ideal for championship-level competition. 'The eight-mile sea loch provides consistent conditions while remaining spectator-friendly, and the support we receive from Stranraer Water Sports Association and the local community is exceptional.' An estimated 50 to 60 volunteers are expected to be involved, supporting both land and water-based operations. Anyone interested in volunteering can register at the event website. As well as the racing, Scottish Fin ∧ Foil are organising windsurfing and wing taster sessions, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people. These sessions, run by qualified instructors from the Windsurf Club, will provide local residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience windsurfing and wing foiling firsthand. Taster sessions are available for children aged 12 and above, as well as adults, with all equipment provided, at a cost from £20 per session. Participants must be able to swim and should bring wetsuits and appropriate footwear.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Fin and Foil: Wind sports championship heading back to Stranraer
The waters near a south of Scotland town are to host a major sports competition for the second time in a matter of Scottish Fin and Foil Championships is the latest event to descend on Stranraer with 80 to 100 windsurfers and wing foilers expected to take comes after the international SkiffieWorlds saw thousands compete in community-built boat racing on Loch latest three-day event - which starts on 8 August - took place in Stranraer last year too. Fin and Foil, now in its third year, will see "the UK's finest windsurfers, wing foilers, hydrofoil sailors and their coaches" converge on Stranraer. Competitors will take part in four days of training followed by three days of high-speed racing across multiple event is being supported by Stranraer Water Sports Association. Kevin Packer of the group said the association was "thrilled" to welcome a "world-class water sports event" to Loch Ryan."The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships offer spectators a completely different experience to SkiffieWorlds but an equally enjoyable one," he said."The sight of these colourful sails and lightning-fast hydrofoils racing across our beautiful loch is spectacular."Danny Hawthorn, who chairs Scottish Fin and Foil, said Loch Ryan offered a "perfect combination" of conditions like reliable wind, sheltered waters and excellent shore estimated 50 to 60 volunteers are expected to be involved supporting both land and water-based operations. Organisers said traditional windsurfing classes were available for the local community to try the competition showcases wider efforts to boost Stranraer's transformation into a major water sports started earlier this year on a water sports hub in the town and it is scheduled to open next summer.
