Under starters orders for the 77th West Highland Yachting Week!
Celebrating the 77th Birthday of this famous event, the fleet for this year’s West Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) come under starter’s orders on August 2nd with the regatta running till 8th August 2025.
Feeder races from both Oban and Gigha bring the fleet to Craobh Marina where the event points series begins on Sunday August 3rd.
Nearly 100 boats line up to compete in what is one of the west coast’s finest regattas: unique in moving its base from Craobh to Oban and then Tobermory with passage races linking the three ports all counting for the series results.
Organised by the Joint Regatta Committee (JRC) and run by the regatta race team, the event is steeped in history tracing its origins back to 1882. It was in 1947 that organisers Royal Highland Yacht Club joined forces with Oban Sailing Club and Western Isles Yacht Club (WIYC) to hold a major six-day event. WHYW is run under a Joint Regatta Committee although WIYC is no longer involved. A leading international yachting event, WHWY boasts a winning combination of round the buoys and passage racing supported by an excellent après sail social programme that caters for all ages.
A range of racing options is on hand for competitors with spinnaker, white sail and cruising classes. Designed to include something for everyone, yachts can enter for either the whole series or individual days.
Great racing platform
From highly tuned ‘racing machines’ to out and out cruising yachts, WHYW is a great platform for all yachts to compete in.
This year the Joint Regatta Committee (JRC) has introduced a new handicap system - the YTC handicap operated by the Royal Yachting Association. With a steady increase in boats travelling from further afield and the move in racing to more contemporary yacht designs, the committee has opted to introduce a more dynamic handicap system.
Gavin Marshall, JRC chairman said: ‘We feel this is a very positive step forwards as our event grows in popularity. It is appropriate we use a national system which benefits from the wider database and support which this system offers.
Principal Race Officer John Readman added: ‘YTC seems the logical next step for handicapping boats racing in WHYW. I hope that this will prove attractive not just to Scottish owners, but sailors from Ireland, the south coast and the American boats expected on the west coast of Scotland this summer with the Cruising Club of America.
Event Longevity
The longevity and popularity of WHYW is matched by many competitors having three generations of the same family sailing. Indeed, the emphasis is on family involvement with many children taking an active part in sailing the boat. Scott Chalmers returns with his Sigma 400 Sunrise. His family have grown up sailing WHYW.
The prestigious family trophy was last year awarded to Garth and Erica Wilson and their two youngsters who appear to be following the Sunrise trend. Alan Dunnet’s beautiful Valhalla of Ashton and Brian Wiseman’s Sorr of Appin have been regular competitors for many years as has Marian Austin and Scintilla of the Sea.
One of the most enigmatic competitors yet again, will be the legendary Ian Nicolson with his Maxi 1000 St Bridget. Ian is in his 97th year outrunning the current event longevity and still a force to be reckoned with on the racecourse.
Craobh Marina
Saturday’s grand opening party at Craobh Marina offers a range of social events. Lucy’s Restaurant serves up food, a barbeque and bar. After the Chairman’s welcome, a class ‘meet and greet’ will allow fellow competitors to socialise before dancing to the Torran Ceilidh Band.
Welcome packs including the essential Tunnock’s Survival pack will be distributed to all boats and event merchandise is available.
Where to see the boats at WHYW
For timings of fleet departures visit the website www.whyw.co.uk and look at the ‘Sailing instructions’ for each day’s itinerary.
Saturday
Yachts start in Oban Bay and race to Craobh Marina—with the mass of yachts mustered for WHYW’s grand opening party.
Sunday
Watch the fleet head out from Craobh Marina from the end of the causeway to the start off Craobh and race round Shuna Island.
Monday
See the fleet starting off from Craobh heading to the start south of Shuna island.
Cullipool, Easdale Island and Ellenabeich offer good vantage points to see the yachts where the boats come together.
When in Oban yachts berth at Kerrera Marina, off Oban Sailing Club at Oban Bay Community Berthing moorings, the North Pier Pontoon or at Dunstaffnage Marina to the north.
Tuesday
The fleet race in the Firth of Lorn leaving Oban Bay and Dunstaffnage and can be seen from the Esplanade, Ganavan and Kerrera.
Wednesday
Views from Oban Esplanade, Dunollie Point to see the yachts leave Oban Bay. Also Dunstaffnage Marina and Dunstaffnage Castle headland for the yachts departing Dunstaffnage. Passengers aboard the CalMac ferry to Craignure gain a bird’s eye view through the Firth of Lorn and the entrance to the Sound by Lismore Light. The fleet musters in Tobermory Bay.
Thursday
Boats leave Tobermory for racing in the Sound of Mull. Head to Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse or Ardmore Point to see the fleets racing at the North entrance to the Sound of Mull.
Friday
Watch from Tobermory Bay as yachts head down the Sound of Mull to Oban. Viewing from the east coast of Mull – the road from Tobermory to Craignure and the CalMac ferry from Craignure back to Oban.
Racing begins
Sunday’s racing starts in the waters off Craobh Marina around Shuna Island for the fleet. The Tunnock’s sponsored spinnaker fleet will sail a second windward/leeward race.
Fun for all the family on the water is the aim after racing with the ‘Inflatables’ event in the marina. Also on offer are tours of Oban’s lifeboat, the RNLI stand and UV body painting.
This will be followed by live music to Chokka and a UV party which will light up the boat shed for everyone.
Craobh to Oban
The fleet leaves Craobh on Monday with a passage race north to Oban. Not only will the racing be intense, but the competition is on for the Best Dressed Boat. In Oban yachts opt to head to Kerrera Marina, the North Pier Pontoons, Oban Community visitor moorings or Dunstaffnage Marina. Oban Sailing Club hosts the BBQ and first prizegiving.
Racing in the Firth of Lorne
The fleet splits into two for racing on Tuesday. The spinnaker fleet sail windward leeward ‘round the buoys’ courses and the white sail fleet a longer passage race. After sailing, Glenn Porter, former Clipper Race skipper, recounts racing tales at Oban Sailing Club and Kerrera Marina hosts the fleet with a food festival and the famous Beach Party.
The race to Tobermory
The fleet head to Tobermory on Wednesday where the legendary welcome awaits. Tobermory Distillery offers pre-booked tours and the mid-week prizegiving is held in the courtyard. With boat to boat-boat socialising, paddle boarding, the Mad Ferrets music in the Mishnish and other live music in the pubs, the scene is set for a brilliant night.
Thursday’s racing for the spinnaker classes is off Kilchoan with an inshore race for the white sail fleet in the Sound of Mull. Aside the sailing, the best dressed crew competition is on! Après racing, sailors can tour Tobermory Distillery and then move on to the WHYW Stramash at the Aros Hall for a buffet meal and ceilidh.
Tobermory to Oban
Friday is the final day’s racing back from Tobermory to Oban which completes the points series for the regatta. Dunstaffnage Marina host the evening events with the overall prize-giving and closing party with live music, face painting, a bouncy castle and catering.
A warm welcome from the JRC
Gavin Marshall, chairman of the Joint Regatta Committee (JRC) said: ‘We welcome all our competitors, many of whom return year in year out for this excellent event and look forward to WHYW 77 being the best yet.’
’We are, as always, indebted to our sponsors, Tunnocks again being the main sponsor and the support from Tobermory Harbour Association, Holland House Electrical, Argyll Yacht Rigger and YA (Scotland) as well as our supporting clubs Oban Sailing Club and Royal Highland Yacht Club. There are many others who also help the event with sponsorship in kind. Thanks also go to Johnny Readman who returns as principal race officer for WHYW. Johnny oversees the race committee that strives to give excellent racing for the fleet.’
Welcome from the host port
The Craobh Marina team host the fleet for the opening two nights of the regatta and will be on hand to assist wherever required. Facilities for yachts before and after the regatta are also available at nearby Kilmelford Yacht Haven, Ardfern Yacht Centre and Crinan Boats. Kerrera and Dunstaffnage Marinas have long played host to the visiting fleet when in Oban as well as the visitor moorings and landing stage off Dungallan Parks run by Oban Community Berthing Ltd.
The North Pier pontoons also complement the facilities in Oban for the fleet. When in Oban, yachts must adhere to Oban Bay Code of Safe Navigation See www.obanharbour.scot navigation-marine-safety/navigation
Tobermory Harbour Association (THA) point all competitors to its website.
www.tobermoryharbour.co.uk
The THA team said: ‘We urge WHYW participants to follow instructions from our marine staff when they approach the pontoons and follow their directions. We look forward to seeing everyone once again.’
Full information on WHYW 2025 on www.whyw.co.uk and regular updates on FB and Instagram www.facebook.com/WestHighlandYachtingWeek and www.instagram.com/WestHighlandYachtingWeek
Full results on www.whyw.co.uk www.facebook.com/WestHighlandYachtingWeek
West Highland Yachting Week Social Programme 2025
Craobh Haven
Saturday 2nd August
2.00pm, Registration opens 6.00pm, Skipper’s Briefing in the Boatshed 6.30pm, Class Meet and Greet in the Boatshed 9pm-midnight Torran Cèilidh Band. All day, Catering by Lucy’s of Ardfern, bar open from midday until late in the Boatshed, St Andrew’s First Aid information stand.
Sunday 3rd August
5.00pm, Inflatables Races. RNLI lifeboat tours 9pm-10.30pm, Live music and UV party from Chokka Sounds All day, Catering by Lucy’s of Ardfern, bar open from midday until late in the Boatshed, glow sticks & UV body paint stall run by Chokka. All inflatables must have at least one crew member aged 18 or over. Buoyancy aids must be worn. Not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
Kerrera/Oban
Monday 4th August
All day, Best Dressed Boat Competition- race to Oban in style!
6.00pm, Prize Giving at Oban Sailing Club 6.30pm, BBQ at Oban Sailing Club -Shuttle ferry available from Kerrera to Oban Sailing Club. Fish and chip run- pre-booking required.
Tuesday 5th August
4.00pm-11.00pm, Kerrera Food Fest & Beach Party 7.30-8.30pm, Free talk by Clipper Skipper Glenn Porter at Oban Sailing Club
Tobermory
Wednesday 6th August
5.00pm-6.00pm, Free tours of Tobermory Distilery, pre-booking required 6.30pm, Prize Giving in Distillery Courtyard 7.30pm, Paddle board races 9.30 onwards, The Mad Ferrets at the MishNish
Thursday 7th August
All day, Best Dressed Crew Competition- show off your true colours on the race course! 5.00pm-6.00pm, Free tours of Tobermory Distillery, pre-booking required 6.30pm-10.30pm, Tobermory Stramash- Fleet meal & Ceilidh, Aros Hall 9.30 onwards, The Mad Ferrets at the MishNish.
Dunstaffnage
Friday 8th August
5.00pm, Face painting, bouncy castle, live music, catering by The Wide Mouthed Frog 6.00pm, Final Prizegiving
Sponsors of WHYW and events
Tunnock’s - Headline Sponsor
Tunnock’s, the iconic Scottish teacake and biscuit confectioners, is once again the headline sponsor of this year’s West Highland Yachting Week. World renowned, Tunnock’s has supported this special regatta for nearly twenty years. The unique range of Tunnock’s products complements what is internationally recognised as a ‘unique moving’ regatta.
The spinnaker classes are known as The Tunnock’s Fleet. Tunnock’s also sponsor the Tobermory to Oban passage race on the final day of the event and award The Thomas Tunnock Trophy for the winner in IRC Class 3 on Friday. Sir Boyd Tunnock, grandson of the firm’s founder Thomas Tunnock, who heads up the firm, has not only been the long-term event sponsor but a regular and successful WHYW competitor in his Moody 38 Lemerac. Sir Boyd said: ‘Tunnock’s has been supporting the event for nearly two decades now. We are a historic firm, this is a historic and famous regatta.’
We are delighted to be the main sponsor once again.’ In addition to the main sponsorship, Tunnock’s will be donating a selection of their famous products to each boat as they have done each year of their support of the event – quite simply, it’s not WHYW without Tunnock’s aboard!
Argyll Yacht Rigger
Coast Connections
Craobh Marina
Dunstaffnage Marina
Holland House Electrical
IKM
Kerrera Marina
Lochnell Boat Yard
MOWI
RYA (Scotland)
Tobermory Harbour Association
Yachting Images
Photographs of WHYW from Yachting Images
RON and Graeme Cowan have been regular photographers of WHYW since 2009 and will be taking pictures, videos and drone footage during the week.
Selections of their photographs are available on
www.yachtingimages.co.uk as well as www.whyw.co.uk
Ardoran Marine
Ardoran Marine lies on the secluded, undisturbed shores of Loch Feochan. Just a stones throw from the bustling town of Oban, they are Oban’s premier outboard engine dealer with full workshop facilities for servicing and repair. Full Marina facilities are available with fifty moorings during summer and recently extended, sheltered yacht storage during winter.
Tel: 01631 566123
www.ardoran.co.uk/
Duncan’s Yacht Chandlers
Since 1961 Duncan’s Yacht Chandlers have offered the boating world an unrivalled choice in Chandlery, Clothing, all types of Inflatables, Outboard Motors and support services. Theie 5,000sq.ft. showroom is stocked with over 25,000 items at all times and their state of the art computer systems ensure constant monitoring of stock and regular updates on special offers and the latest products.
Tel: 0141 429 6044
www.duncanyacht.co.uk/
Etive Boat Trips
Experience the waves on their 10 metre Blyth Catamaran “The Etive Explorer” for an unforgettable excursion in the Firth of Lorn or Loch Etive where you will sample the stunning West coast scenery and wildlife.
Tel: 07789 795932
etiveboattrips.co.uk/
Fynepax Industrial Supplies
Suppliers of a wide range of products from the industries leading brands, such as; fixings and fasteners, welding and abrasive supplies, building materials, safety and PPE, chemicals and paints, silicones, marine and boating supplies.
T: 01389 733307
E: sales@fynepax.co.uk
www.fynepax.co.uk/
Mallaig Harbour Authority
The marina facilities in Mallaig comprise a secure pontoon fit for 50 vessels with walk-on access to the shore and also provides fresh water, electricity and Wi-Fi on site. As Mallaig is a working port, there are also complete servicing facilities including a slipway, boat builders and marine engineers available as well as extensive ship chandlers.
Marina Mobile No: 07824 331031 (08.00 to 20.00 daily)
Harbour Office: 01687 462154 (Mon to Fri 08.30 to 17.30)
mallaig-yachting-marina.com/
Northern Lighthouse Board
Their principal concern is with safety: the safety of the mariner at sea; the safety of their own people employed in or around some of the world’s most dangerous coastlines; and the safety of the environment in which they, and those who come after us, must live and work.
E: enquiries@nlb.org.uk
www.nlb.org.uk
Owen Sails
Founded in 1984, Owen Sails has earned a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. From humble beginnings in two static caravans joined together, the company now operates from a purpose-built 7,800 square foot loft just outside Oban. Specialising in sails, covers, rigging, and industrial or architectural textile products and with over 40 years of experience, the team remains committed to delivering high-quality, bespoke solutions tailored to meet the needs of each customer, whether in the marine industry or for custom commercial projects.
owensails.com/
Paddle Steamer Waverley
Step back in time aboard the magnificent Paddle Steamer Waverley as she returns to Glasgow & the Clyde Coast from Friday 27th June to Monday 25th August 2025 for nostalgic summer trips the whole family will enjoy.
Kids go for £1
waverleyexcursions.co.uk/
Scottish Association For Marine Science - SAMS
Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, delivering marine science for a productive and sustainably managed marine environment through innovative research, education and engagement with society.
www.sams.ac.uk/
Tarbert Harbour Authority
Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne, some forty miles inland from the Kyles of Bute, East Loch Tarbert is a natural sheltered harbour at the heart of a heritage fishing village.
Offering both commercial and leisure services within the busy port, the south side of the harbour is home to the traditional Tarbert TT fishing fleet while the marina is situated on the north side, providing sheltered berthing and facilities for leisure vessels.
Within easy reach for visitors based on the Firth of Clyde, and connected to the sound of Jura via the famous Crinan Canal. Recognised and revered by many as one of the best sailing destinations in Scotland, Tarbert has much to offer the marine tourist.
www.tarbertharbour.co.uk/
T Barbour Ltd
Oban’s trusted supplier of marine diesel and Castrol marine lubricating oils, serving the fishing and maritime industries across Argyll. Located at the Fuel Depot on Railway Pier, they operate road tankers and offer flexible delivery, 24/7 with prior notice. Beyond fuel, they stock waterproof clothing, gloves, wellies, and engine filters. With decades of service, T Barbour is a cornerstone of Oban’s coastal economy, keeping vessels fueled and ready.
Fuel Depot, Railway Pier, Oban PA34 4LW
01631 562849
Tobermory Harbour Association
Tobermory Harbour Association (THA) is a community-owned company responsible for managing and maintaining key facilities across Tobermory. Its marine services include fully serviced pontoons, moorings, and a fuel berth for visiting vessels. Ashore, THA provides accessible facilities for all, clean toilets, hot showers, and a laundry service. You’ll also find Seafare Chandlery, Tobermory’s trusted local chandlery since 1977, offering quality marine supplies.
tobermoryharbour.co.uk/
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