Whitehills Regatta, held on Saturday August 13, 2016 was a great success, with 17 yachts taking part in the day’s races, and an evening event that raised a considerable amount of money for charity.

The Regatta, which is organised by Whitehills Harbour Commissioners, was originally set up as a thank you from the Commissioners to those berth holders that supported the harbour when it first converted from a commercial fishing port to a leisure marina. The event has now established itself as a ‘must-do’ race for anyone on the Moray Firth coastline, and this year, the regatta celebrated its 10th anniversary.

To start the day, Vice Chairman of Whitehills Harbour Commissioners, Willie Milne, welcomed the company. Then, after a breakfast of bacon rolls and a Skippers briefing by Race Director Charlotte Hovgaard in the nearby harbour-owned Galley restaurant, the sailors took to the seas outside Whitehills and headed to the start line. Participants were piped out of the harbour by local piper Kevin Cook. The winds were favourable and made for an exciting day – and as usual, the event was split into four races – two races divided into two classes each.

Once the racing was over, the participants along with other harbour users, enjoyed food and drink at the prize giving, all organised by Whitehills Harbour Commissioners. The food was sourced as locally as possible, with companies such as Downie’s of Whitehills and Forbes Raeburn butchers both contributing. MC for the evening was Marc Ellington, and Brenda Milne, wife of Whitehills Harbourmaster Bertie, presented prizes.

And, as well as the race prizes, the Harbour Commissioners also awarded their special Gold Anchor Award to journalist David Morgan, for services to the Harbour over the years. David has been a great supporter of Whitehills Marina during his career with the yachting press, and the Commissioners wanted to recognise this.

Whitehills Harbour Commissioner Jimmy Forbes, who along with Willie Milne, organised the Regatta, was pleased with the day:

“Whitehills Marina is known for our warm welcome to visitors. This year, we were delighted by the large turnout of boats, many of whom have raced with us since the first regatta 10 years ago. Thanks go to the race participants and to the wider Whitehills community who all help make the event a success. We’d also like to thank the local businesses that support us by donating prizes for both the races and for the charity auction. All proceeds from the Regatta go straight to the RNLI and we are delighted to have raised a good amount, which will be revealed when we present the cheque to Whitehills Ladies Lifeboat Guild later in the year.”

Whitehills Regatta 2016: Full Race Results

Race 1, Class 1 (Downie’s of Whitehills Sail)

1. Respectable

2. Sunrise

3. Predator

4. Farahbout

Race 1, Class 2 (Forbes Cup)

1. Merida

2. Coruisk

3. Ufor

4. Sea Swallow

5. Papou

6. Ambition

7. Calloo

8. Bezique

9. Royal

10. Spey Jess

11. Tanwood

Race 2, Class 1 (Progress Cup)

1. Respectable

2. Predator

3. Farahbout

4. Sunrise

Race 2, Class 2 (Jesson Cup)

1. Merida

2. Coruisk

3. Papou

4. Ufor

5. Ambition

6. Sea Swallow

7. Calloo

8. Royal

9. Spey Jess

Trophies

Ming-Ming Award for the smallest Class 2: Tanwood

Falck Award for the Best Use of the Wind: Ufor

Cowie Trophy for the Youngest Crew: Bezique

707 Cup: Predator

Gold Anchor Award for services to Whitehills Marina and Harbour: David Morgan