The slip at Ardmaleish, birthplace of many Mylne designs. Pic courtesy www.mylne.com

The Mylne Classic Yacht Regatta 2009
The visit this week of the inaugural Mylne Classic Yacht Regatta added a spectacular yachting sparkle to Rothesay’s new inner harbour marina. The Mylne yachts, the majority of which were built on Bute at the Ardmaleish Boatyard,then known as Bute Slip Dock (right) are beautiful examples of classic boat design. 
On Monday 13th the fleet raced down from the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club at Rhu near Helensburgh. After an evening event hosted by the Isle of Bute Sailing Club and overnight stay in Rothesay the racing after a sail past at Ardmaleish to commemorate the yard. 
The course for Tuesday took the fleet through the Kyles of Bute with the large vessels continuing on a course around the island, whilst the smaller boats rounded a mark at Tighnabruich and return to Rothesay through the Kyles.  Unfortunately the light winds made the racing difficult  and some has to be towed in.

The beautiful Kelpie gets off the mark for the race around Bute. pic copyright Andy Walters

On wednesday the wind had rallied slightly and the course to Cumbrae and back offered great views of the fleet passing Craigmore and Ascog. In the evening Mountstuart House held a reception and in the morning the fleet departed northwards for the return to the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club for a formal dinner and prize giving.

After the success of the spectacular Fife Regatta in 2008, let’s hope that the Mylne fleet returns to the Clyde and Bute next year.