Countdown to this year's West Highland Yachting Week

West Highland Yachting Week action © www.yachtingimages.co.uk

West Highland Yachting Week action © www.yachtingimages.co.uk

Sailing instructions, entry forms and a list of entries are now posted on the website for this year's West Highland Yachting Week (WHYW) that kicks off on Saturday July 12 and runs till Friday July 18 2014.

The 67th event embraces two major changes this year. A change of dates for the week which has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth Games and a change of format with an extra day's racing off Craobh Marina.

This unique and popular 'moving' regatta starts in Craobh, moves to Oban and then Tobermory encompassing a range of classes with passage and round the buoys racing designed to appeal to everyone.

Tunnock's is again the main event sponsor for 2014 with the spinnaker classes known as the Tunnock's Fleet. The restricted sail classes are the Argyll Fleet pointing up the support from Argyll and Bute Council. Tobermory Harbour Association and The Crown Estate are also long term supporters helping run this year's regatta as well as West Coast Motors and Flit Autos.

The new course off Craobh will be known as the Loch Melfort Race. The fleet will sail a course of around 12 miles twice round and circumnavigate the island of Shuna.

Feedback has shown competitors like the fact Craobh brings everyone together and both Craobh Marina and the Lord of the Isles (LOTI) are looking forward to hosting the fleet on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

LOTI has a wide range of entertainment planned as well as a barbecue, seafood bar and hog roast with special sit down WHYW dinners in the restaurant. Meg MacLeod, who runs LOTI, said there would be plenty of 'surprises and prizes' as well. This will include bungee racing, golf on the water and a bucking bronco!

Yachts race to Oban on passage on Monday July 14, sailing one of the most scenic courses in the world. Berthing can be found at Oban Marina, Dunstaffnage Marina or on moorings/at anchor in Cardingmill Bay or off Oban's esplanade. A range of the usual apres sail entertainment will be on hand to welcome sailors. The West Coast Motors shuttle bus will connect events between Dunstaffnage Marina and Oban.

Oban Sailing Club's barbecue takes place on Monday night after yachts arrive. Oban Marina has food from the Waypoint Grill and Dunstaffnage Marina will also have food and entertainment on hand. Swimming for all the family is on offer at Atlantis Leisure on Tuesday night as well as access to all the leisure facilities and there will be ceilidh dancing at Skipinish on the two nights the fleet is in Oban.

The fleet race to Tobermory on Wednesday where Tobermory Harbour Association will organise competing yachts between pontoon berthing, mooring and anchoring. Full facilities are available in the Taigh Solais building at Ledaig. Tobermory's legendary hospitality will be enjoyed by the fleet. The mid-week prize-giving will be held at Ledaig on Thursday evening. After the fleet race down the Sound of Mull on Friday, the final fling at the prize-giving dance will be from world renowned ceilidh band Craigendarloch with Davy Sinclair at the helm.

For further information on WHYW, entry forms and the Notice of Race see the website www.whyw.co.uk