New Passage Race for Bell Lawrie Scottish Series

Already there are indications that there will be a significant number of Swan 45s making the journey north to take part in the Series, where for the first time, they will have their own class start. Keith Miller, owner of Swan 45, Crackerjack and overall winner of Class 1 at this year’s Scottish Series, is looking forward to next year’s event:

"We are delighted that the CCC have decided to change the format of the racing at Tarbert for next year's Scottish Series. The new format of 4 days’ racing with 2 ‘round the buoys’ races per day will deliver the type of competitive racing that most class and handicap fleets appreciate most. Logistically it makes it easier having one base for the regatta than two under the old format, when there was an overnight race starting from Gourock. The diehard passage racers too will be pleased with the introduction of the "Tarbert Outbound" passage race on the Tuesday to Bangor and the Clyde.

"The Swan 45 Class will be using the Scottish Series as one of the regattas to count for their Area Championships and we expect the whole UK fleet to make the passage up from the Hamble. The Swan 45 fleet is very competitive and I am sure we will see some extremely close racing. The attraction of coming to Scotland, apart from the unique hospitality, is the potential to go cruising after the regatta is over. I know a lot of the 45 owners are planning to take advantage of the excellent cruising possibilities at what is a good time of year to visit Scotland."

The new format has also sparked interest from the Impala Class Association, which has not raced at Tarbert in numbers for some years.

All three Race Course Sponsors from 2004, Graham Technology, Tunnocks and Talisker, have signed up again for 2005 with Title Sponsor Bell Lawrie White returning for the sixth consecutive year. GAP Communications has recently announced prize sponsorship for the Impalas and a class start looks likely.

Scottish Series Radio 87.7FM will expand on the successful inaugural broadcasts in 2004 with good music, news, views, results and requests.

Next year’s Bell Lawrie Scottish Series takes place in Tarbert, Loch Fyne from 27th to 30th May with the Tarbert Outbound Race on Tuesday 31st May 2005.

About the Clyde Cruising Club

Clyde Cruising Club was established in 1909 and is the largest sailing club in Scotland with over 2,000 members. The club runs a full cruising, racing and social programme and has been organising the Scottish Series for 32 years since inception.

Racing Enquiries to:
Clyde Cruising Club
Tel: 0141 221 2774
Email: hazel@clyde.org
Website: www.clyde.org