This year’s Scottish Series launched at the Collins Stewart London International promises to be the best yet with the continued support, for the eighth year running, from Scottish-based investment management company Bell Lawrie.

Known as the Bell Lawrie Scottish Series and hosted by the Clyde Cruising Club the event, which is taking place from 25-28 May, is Scotland’s premier yacht racing regatta which always attracts a huge following. It’s not unusual to see 180 boats on the startline and the organisers are hoping that this year’s entry will top all records. Thanks to the glorious winds, last year’s event was possibly one of the best yet but the organisers are hoping to top that.

Chatting to yachtingworld.com about the event Martin Nichol – chairman of the Scottish Series organising committee – said: “We have a lot to live up to after 2006 it was an excellent regatta with great winds and a good turnout of yachts but this year we’re looking to top the 200 mark. Our sponsors are the key to the success of this event we couldn’t run it without it. While we have a headline sponsor in Bell Lawrie we have course sponsors including Tiso Outdoor and Talisker which have also made a big impact.”

Because the organisers are keen to ensure the competitors gain maximum benefit from the sponsorship of the event the entry fee for racing includes absolutely everything needed for crews to have great time. Talisker who have been a course sponsors for the last six years are now sponsoring the event marquee which will certainly add a certain sparkle to the event!

The racing format runs over four days with up to 10 races in each class. There are 15 classes in total including IRC through to CYCA classes, one-design Sigmas, Sonatas and sportsboat classes. And in direct response to competitors’ requests the CYCA classes will include more passage racing. Also as an extra incentive to draw more entries to the event Sunsail have made their fleet of Sunsail 37s in Largs available for charter so any groups who want to travel to Scotland then boats available to charter. Organisers of the event say that if there are enough charter boats they’ll run a separate class start.

For further event details the log on www.clyde.org.