A fleet of 30 yachts has arrived at Lochmaddy in advance of the inaugural St Kilda Challenge.
Featuring both a race and a cruise in company, the St Kilda Challenge organised by North Uist’s Comann Na Mara is the first event of its kind to set its sights on the UK’s remotest archipelago.
Of the 30 yachts, 15 will race and 15 will cruise as a flotilla. Both fleets will use the islands as the turning point on the course, which will take in a distance of some 100 nautical miles return.
Participants have travelled from far and wide, including Shetland, Cornwall, Ireland and the Clyde to assemble at the remote North Uist outpost.
The race will begin in the Sound of Harris today immediately preceded by a parade of sail as the boats make the short journey from Lochmaddy to the start line.
It is likely that the faster yachts will complete the race in some 24 hours, with the cruise in company yachts taking a little longer.
Ashore in Lochmaddy, a three-
The fleet brings together some interesting yachts, including AJ Wanderlust, Charlene Howard’s 45ft sloop which has travelled far and wide around the world and goes in the racing fleet, as well as 67ft Swan, a traditional Shetland fishing boat owned and operated by The Swan Trust which will take part in the cruise in company – built in 1900, she is also the oldest vessel to be making the journey.
Fortunately the weather appear to be playing ball for the event, with a light east/south easterly forecast expected for the start.
Yachts arrive for inaugural St Kilda Challenge
10 June 2016