Stunningly beautiful yet infinitely tricky, with Atlantic weather fronts rolling in, variable winds that veer around outlying islands, tide races, rain showers and bursts of sunshine through racing clouds. These are the ingredients of a unique race series that moves port steadily up the west coast of Scotland – the West Highland Yachting Week. As the regatta changes port almost daily, the races pass many miles of spectacular coastline with islands, mountains, lochs, castles and lighthouses and the chance to glimpse a sea eagle, seal or dolphin.
This year West Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) celebrated 75 years and over 100 yachts turned out from around Britain and Ireland for a mixture of passage racing – between Craobh Haven, Oban and Tobermory on the island of Mull – and around the buoys. A special limited-edition golden ale was even brewed in honour of the 75th anniversary by the Moulin brewery in Pitlochry.
The race is truly a celebration of
