Polaris Regatta and Sonata Scottish Championship 2026 at Holy Loch Sailing Club
by Chris Bowen 15 Sep 17:42 BST
12-13 September 2026
Pipers enjoying the fresh conditions on Saturday - Polaris Regatta at Holy Loch © Trevor James
The Holy Loch Sailing Club's annual Polaris Regatta held over the weekend of September 12th and 13th delivered its best turnout for many years, with more than 50 boats competing across the fleets. The event, one of the Clyde's longest-running regattas, was inaugurated in the early 1960s during the presence of the American Navy — hence its distinctive name. This year's event was supported by local businesses Shearwater Marine Services, Swordfish Marine and Western Ferries.
The weather provided two very different days of racing. Saturday brought extremely challenging conditions with gusts in excess of 30 knots. Sunday was the complete contrast, with light airs testing the competitors' patience and tactical skills.
The Piper class, a local one design keelboat was celebrating its 60th anniversary, with 12 boats taking part. Chanter, sailed by Dougie Campbell, Peter Boyd and Heath Cairns from Gourock, dominated the weekend with six wins from six races. Local favourite Tom Piper provided a strong challenge, taking two second places on Saturday.
Chanter's outstanding performance also earned the prestigious Murray Seafoods Caithness Glass Bowl for the best overall performance across the four fleets.
The Sonata fleet was celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Holy Loch Sailing Club was honoured to host the Sonata Scottish Championships as part of the regatta. Neil Rosie and crew from Helensburgh Sailing Club sailed Peshwa 4 to victory with four wins and two seconds. Mark Taylor of Royal Forth Yacht Club, sailing Saraband, took second overall after an excellent series.
In the dinghy fleet, Alistair and Bernadette McMillan of Isle of Bute Sailing Club dominated in their Merlin Rocket Thumper, scoring 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1. Holy Loch's Jenny Dunn put up a strong challenge in her Laser Bahia, finishing second overall with a 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2 scoreline.
The Flying Fifteen fleet was smaller, with only three entries due to a clash with a national event. Chris and Marion Bowen of Holy Loch Sailing Club sailed More Mischieff to a perfect score, although victory in the final race was secured by just three seconds after a costly mistake at the first mark. Tommy and Susan McGeachie from the Holy Loch Sailing Club finished second overall.
The White Sail fleet produced a particularly varied entry of 13 boats, from modern racing yachts to classic cruisers, with crews ranging from experienced racers to newcomers. Racing took competitors out into the Clyde towards Gourock, Kilcreggan and Dunoon, with one race each day.
Saturday's near-gale-force conditions proved too much for some, but Jonathan Dickie and crew from Fairlie Yacht Club excelled in the Laser 28 Farr Out, winning the Saturday race and repeating the result on Sunday. Malcolm Johnston and crew from Isle of Bute Sailing Club, sailing the MG335 Kraken, took second in both races.
Away from the racing, around 300 sailors and supporters visited the club, creating a lively and exceptionally friendly atmosphere.
With record numbers, two significant class anniversaries, challenging sailing and a superb atmosphere ashore, the Polaris Regatta proved once again that it is about much more than simply racing boats — it is a celebration of sailing and the Clyde community.