Fairlie Yacht Club Autumn Regatta 2026 sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven
by John Kent 22 Sep 13:53 PDT
19-20 September 2026
Fairlie YC Autumn Regatta sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven © FYC
Over the weekend of the 19th & 20th of September, Fairlie Yacht Club organised its annual Open Autumn Regatta, sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven. This end of season regatta was based on the sailing areas off Largs on the Clyde. Nine yachts entered, coming locally and from other bases on the river. Unfortunately, due to the strong winds on Saturday morning and forecasted all weekend, only five yachts made it to the starting line.
This was an action packed weekend with plenty of wind, keeping the crews busy on courses within the Largs Channel. Saturday saw gusts of over 40knts in the squalls as skippers handled their boats in close quarter manoeuvres from the start, and kept the crews busy on the mark roundings. The committee boat and Pete Wright (PRO) took shelter on the Cumbrae shore, starting the races on a fast reaching leg before the yachts set off towards Largs.
A departure from the usual windward /leeward courses at the request of the skippers. The two J109s of Salamander and Mocking J couldn't hold back the J92 Samurai J who took 2 bullets, with only 9 seconds between first and second places in race 2. Reindeer, a classic swan 43, recently returned from a seasons cruising to Norway, Fareos, Iceland and Greenland, weathered the squalls to win in the restricted sail class.
Sunday was a bit kinder with a slight drop in the wind in the Largs Channel. The RO set a course round the Largs Channel marks which tested all the crews on close reaches, spinnaker handling and mark roundings. The second race was then a blast around Great Cumbrae, taking the fleet out of the lee of the island on a fast course to the west of Cumbrae and through the Millport channel.
Sunday's race was joined by the Lutra V1 30, Infinite Probability which added to the competition of the J's. The two J1019s finished only 11 seconds apart after 80 minutes of challenging tactical racing round the island, but again the J92 took the bullet.
Following this tiring race the fleet returned to Largs Yacht haven for the prize-giving in Largs Sailing Club. Largs Yacht Haven sponsored the event with a 1st prize of a "free lift out", along with many branded items and gift vouchers. FYC also presented engraved glassware to the winners.
David Hewitt, Marina Manager of Largs Yacht Haven said: "We are very proud to be sponsors of this closing season's FYC Autumn Regatta. This was a great way to finish a spectacular summer of world class events hosted at Largs Yacht Haven and I hope the competitors enjoyed the racing and their stay in Largs".
John Kent Vice Commodore FYC said, "It was a very challenging event for both officials and competitors alike. The strong winds and numerous squalls made hard racing for skippers and crews, who handled their yachts with great skill and obvious teamwork. Amazingly close racing, considering the conditions.
"My thanks to the PRO Pete Wright, the small number of volunteers, Coastworks for the use of a mark laying RIB, LSC for marks, access to the Clubhouse and especially to LYH for their fantastic sponsorship. Well done to all the competitors who braved the weekend weather. Hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder in 2027."
Class 2 results:
1st Samuri J, J92, Alan Macleod, Cove SC
2nd Salamander, J109, Craig Corson, FYC
3rd Infinite Improbability, Lutra V1 30, Sam Dryden, Port Edgar SC
4th Mocking J, J109, Ben & Jono Shelley, FYC
Class 3 (restricted sail) results:
1st Reindeer, Swan 43, Jack Meredith, FYC