West Highland Yachting Week

‘West Highland Yachting Week 2011’ has a number of sponsors and supporters and the Joint Regatta Committee is grateful to all below that that have backed the 2011 event which marks the 64th anniversary of this historic and popular regatta. In a difficult financial climate this commitment makes West Highland Yachting Week possible and brings both financial and social benefits over a wide area.

With a year on year increase in entries WHYW defies the current trend on the regatta circuit emphasising its unique attraction. Those organisations onboard already see the benefit of association with this major west coast yachting event.

The Joint Regatta Committee would like to further develop the proven regatta formula to bring an even bigger event to its competitors and is again actively seeking new sponsors to join this successful partnership for 2012.

With WHYW offering an exciting combination of top class racing and a first class social programme there are many opportunities for potential sponsors. Join us and become a partner with all the benefits of being involved with Scotland’s fastest growing sailing event!

SPONSORS ABOARD FOR 2011

Tunnock’s

World renowned biscuit makers Tunnock’s have supported the event for the last three years and the unique range of Tunnock’s products complements this unique regatta. The spinnaker classes are known as The Tunnock’s Fleet and Tunnock’s sponsor the Tobermory to Oban passage race on the final day of the event. The Thomas Tunnock Trophy for the winner in IRC Class 3 on Friday and The Lemarac Cup for IRC on Thursday are also awarded in recognition of the support given by Thomas Tunnock Ltd. Top up packs for the famous Tunnock’s survival box are an essential part of WHYW – indeed many yachts do not set sail without a healthy supply of teacakes and caramel wafers! Boyd Tunnock CBE, managing director and grandson of the founder of Thomas Tunnock Ltd, has been a regular competitor at West Highland Yachting Week in his aptly named Moody ‘Lemarac’ (Caramel spelt backwards).

The Oban Common Good Fund

This will also be the third year of support from The Oban Common Good Fund to help run WHYW. The input from the organisation recognises the benefit the regatta brings to Oban and its surrounding area. For 64 years WHYW has had a base in Oban bringing both economic and community benefit. WHYW is increasingly developing as a community event with a Festival atmosphere created when the fleet is in town. This in itself is a magnet of attraction for both locals and visitors. WHYW welcomes the generous support from the Oban Common Good Fund to keep WHYW on a winning course.

Tobermory Single Malt Scotch Whisky

With Tobermory being one of the most popular venues of WHYW, it is particularly appropriate that Tobermory Single Malt Scotch Whisky has returned for a second year to lend its support to the event. The combination of a good West Highland Whisky and the association between whisky distilling and sailing also add to the attraction of the partnership between Tobermory Whisky and WHYW. During the regatta there will be the chance to sample this finest malt whisky both in Oban at the Skippers’ Reception and on home ground in Tobermory. The passage race from Oban to Tobermory on Wednesday is sponsored by Tobermory Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Caledonian MacBrayne

Providing ferry services to 24 Scottish ports on Scotland’s west coast, Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferries are a familiar sight to WHYW competitors and used by many visitors who come to view the event. The passage races between Craobh, Oban and Tobermory that make WHYW a ‘moving regatta’ mirror the CalMac sailings with Oban not only a base for WHYW but the main Gateway to the Isles for CalMac. This year CalMac once again hosts the Skippers’ Reception in their glass departure lounge in Oban where skippers and guests can enjoy the convivial atmosphere on Sunday evening with wine and canapés. Tobermory Single Malt Whisky will be available for tasting and prizes for the three WHYW feeder races and the first passage race of the week will be presented by a representative of Caledonian MacBrayne. The new Caledonian MacBrayne Trophy will be awarded to the winner of IRC Class 3 from Craobh to Oban.

Argyll and Bute Council

The support of the local council is acknowledged in naming the restricted sail classes ‘The Argyll Fleet’ on the days the fleets race separately. This partnership reflects the economic and social importance of WHYW to the wider community of Argyll and Bute.

Tobermory Harbour Association

With the ethos of ‘facilities for all’ that benefit both visitors and the local community, Tobermory Harbour Association welcomes the WHYW fleet to Tobermory. WHYW contestants have access to free anchorage, moorings and pontoon berths with electricity and water for hire, a fuel berth, fantastic onshore facilities including, showers, toilets, laundry room, a wonderful meeting room for rent and most importantly the friendly and expert help of THA’s sea and onshore staff team. Tobermory Harbour Association has worked to gain financial backing for WHYW from a number of Tobermory businesses in recognition of the significant economic benefit WHYW brings to the town. These businesses provide a superb range of shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions and leisure opportunities for competitors, their guests and visitors who come to view the event – proving that the friendly port of Tobermory is indeed the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s West Coast.

The Crown Estate

As part of its wide ranging programme to promote the sustainable development of leisure sailing across Scotland and to help raise the profile of an industry that is crucial to coastal communities, The Crown Estate is once again supporting WHYW. Through its Marine Communities Fund, The Crown Estate supports a wide range of small scale local projects and through its licensing scheme, The Crown Estate has the lead role in managing the provision of mooring space for the Scottish boating community. In terms of investment, The Crown Estate has supported new boating facilities at Wick, Ullapool, Tarbert and Tobermory, one of the venues of West Highland Yachting Week.

Caledonian Oil

Caledonian Oil supports West Highland Yachting Week providing fuel for the work boats that are used throughout the week. Local supplier of Caledonian Oil, Tommy Barbour, has been an invaluable help over the years with fuel requirements and the Joint Regatta Committee looks forward to the continued partnership. Caledonian Oil has bunkering facilities in Aberdeen and also offers Castrol Marine Lubricants.

West Coast Motors

West Coast Motors is again providing a special transport service between Dunstaffnage and Oban to link up with après sail events when the fleet is in town. West Coast Motors has been bringing people together via their transport system since 1923 much as WHYW has been attracting sailors for 64 years! WCM also operate the open-topped bus service around Oban which is a great attraction for visitors. A bus and ferry timetable is included in competitors’ packs. West Coast Motors also run a fast passenger ferry service - Kintyre Express - providing speedy sea links between Campbeltown, Ballycastle and Troon as well as offering flexible private charter.