Challenging Winds and Tight Racing Define a Thrilling Week of racing at Largs

As a highly anticipated fixture in the Scottish sailing calendar, this year’s Largs Regatta Festival once again delivered a spectacular showcase of late summer racing and community spirit. Held from 30 August to 7 September 2025, the event brought together sailors, spectators, and volunteers for a week of high calibre competition and celebration.

Coordinated by Largs Yacht Haven, Largs Sailing Club, and Fairlie Yacht Club, the festival is a unique highlight of the season for many - combining keelboat and dinghy racing in a format celebrating a wide variety of classes.

A Thrilling Start on the Water

The opening weekend saw over 110 yachts and dinghies take to the water in challenging conditions. Despite strong winds, the race committee was praised for delivering short, sharp races that secured crucial results before worsening weather forced the cancellation of day two.

Standout Performances Across the Fleets

Cameron McDaid dominated the Short Class in his ILCA Dinghy, earning Dinghy of the Weekend with four first-place finishes. In the Long Fleet, Phil and Carol Alderson impressed in their Cherub, while Rohan O’Kane triumphed in the Junior Fleet, sailing his Topper fresh from the Topper Nationals - also hosted at Largs earlier this summer.

The Multihull Class saw a clean sweep from David and Ian Kent in their Hurricane, while the International Etchells Scottish Championship was hotly contested, with 'Bounce Back' edging out 'Animal' after four races. In the 707 class, More T Vicar narrowly beat Po by a single point to take the title.

Adding a splash of colour and community, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust hosted a joyful adventure sail around the Isle of Cumbrae, complete with fancy dress and decorated boats - bringing some added fun to the festival.

Midweek Momentum and a Fitting Finale

The energy continued midweek with three evenings of racing across three classes, including a Novice Class to encourage newer sailors. Fairlie Yacht Club also hosted keelboat racing over two evenings, keeping the competitive spirit alive.

The festival concluded with the iconic Scottish Two-Handed Round Arran Race on 6 September, where 43 yachts tested their endurance and teamwork on a challenging course by crews of two.

On land, the festival atmosphere was just as vibrant. Highlights included a Saturn Sails loft party, live music, and family entertainment hosted in the Euroyachts showroom, bringing the sailing community together to celebrate another successful season.

For even more of an insight into what Largs Regatta Festival is all about, check out our event spotlight for a look at the action, with insights from Carolyn Elder of Largs Yacht Haven.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Already excited for next year? We are! As we begin to look ahead to the 2026 season, we’re keen to hear from clubs, centres, and organisations across Scotland who are planning events - whether that’s an open day, regatta week, class championship, or any other activity that brings people together on the water.

If you're involved in organising an event, please get in touch via communications@ryascotland.org.uk to ensure it’s on our radar. We’re committed to highlighting and celebrating the breadth of sailing activity taking place across the country, and we’d love to help shine a spotlight on your plans.