St Kilda yacht race

The first ever St Kilda yacht race has set off despite the weather being too good.

Without a breath of wind, around 37 sailing vessels were forced to use their engines through the smooth, glassy sea to reach the start point in the Sound of Harris this morning.

A light breeze fluttered the sails shortly before the boats embarked on the 100 mile return challenge around the UK’s remotest archipelago.

Many boats - including participants from Shetland, Cornwall, Ireland and the Clyde - are struggling to make speeds of three knots, pushing back initial calculations of a 24-hour trip.

The event - organised by North Uist's Comann na Mara (Society of the Sea) marks the 30th anniversary of the windswept St Kilda island group being awarded world heritage designation.

Also showcased is the new marina in Lochmaddy, with the 26 pontoon berths providing the North Uist economy a valuable visitor boost. Pent-up demand has resulted in hundreds of yachtsmen popping into the Uists instead of sailing past.

Ashore in the host port of Lochmaddy, a three-day festival is in full swing, with a variety of cultural events, including the Hebridean Premiere of the Heisgeir film with internationally-renowned Julie Fowlis, who hails from North Uist.

Main events include:

Friday

Contemporary traditional Scottish music with the Ross Ainslie Trio in Lochmaddy Hall from 7.30pm

Saturday

A Play, A Pie and a Pint - lunchtime theatre at the Hamersay marquee, 2pm.

Julie Fowlis, Lochmaddy Hall, 7pm onwards

St Kilda yacht race sets off

10 June 2016