Twenty-nine 707s set to hunt for national title

Port Edgar Watersports 707 Sprints Slam © Stuart Sly Photography

A twenty-nine-strong fleet of Hunter 707s is set to compete for the 2024 UK National Championship in Scotland this week.

Hosted by Port Edgar Yacht Club, located in South Queensferry near Edinburgh, the championship will take place over four days from Thursday 15 August until Sunday 18 August.

14 races are scheduled and will be sailed against the stunning backdrop of the three Firth of Forth bridges.

Reigning national champions, Swordfish, are absent from the entry list for this year's edition. However, there are various strong contenders poised to take the trophy.

Multiple-time national champions, SeaWord, are obvious candidates. Although the team have shown chinks in their armour in recent years, it would be foolish to rule them out of contention.

Newly branded Tsunami II are in fine form, being runners-up to Swordfish in the first event of 2024 and taking a convincing win at the Jura Scottish Series on Loch Fyne most recently.

The Dundonian team of Monarch and Northern nippers of Reposado serve as worthy challengers, both clocking convincing race wins this season.

The host yacht club also boasts a whopping 16 entries who will look to use their local knowledge to prevail.

Class Chairman and crew of Valhalla, Mark Robertson, said, "I'm very excited for this year's National Championship.

"It's going to be one of the biggest fleets we have seen for a few years and the team at Port Edgar have worked hard to ensure good racing is matched by a great social programme.

"Port Edgar Yacht Club run top-quality events, and I'm looking forward to some very close racing. Hopefully, the weather holds out for us."

Head to the event website for more information: peyc.org.uk/event/707-uk-national-championships