Fife Regatta 2008 at the Firth of Clyde - Day 2

by Paul Jeffes 23 Jun 2008 00:10 BST 20-27 June 2008

Classic Fife yachts enrich the Clyde as top three boats draw level after 2 races

Race 2 of the 2008 Fife regatta must have been something of a relief for owners and insurers alike as the anticipated strong winds and rain did not materialize.

In front of a reduced spectator fleet the 20 strong armada of antique elegance made a stately procession up the Firth of Clyde under full sail. With a running start from Largs the small boats leading the procession were soon mingling with the largest.

Altair, Mariette, Maraquita and Moonbeam, with a collective age of almost 400 years old, setting great clouds of sail as they glided through the fleet, creating a an unforgettable sight and depriving their little sisters ahead of what wind there was. There was just sufficient wind to get the fleet safely to their destination of Rhu Marina. Some of the world’s top marine photographers snapped busily for the whole journey.

On the 96ft and 97year old Mariquita the topmast crewman in the absence of a crow’s nest was observed having a relaxing day in these conditions reclining horizontal on the top spreader.

As Monday is a lay-day there is a possibility that the anticipated adverse weather may not may miss them entirely.

On Tuesday 24th the fleet will race from Helensburgh to Rothesay where they will grace the bay until Thursday when they race around Bute and back to Largs.