For the 32nd year running the Bell Lawrie Scottish Series will take place in the coastal town of Tarbert on the banks of Loch Fyne (23-26 May). Following a constructive review of the location for Scotland’s largest yachting regatta, it was decided that the 2008 Series will remain in Tarbert on the banks of Loch Fyne.

The decision to hold the event in Tarbert for a further two years was taken after a review process involving title sponsors Bell Lawrie, the Clyde Cruising Club (CCC), Tarbert Enterprise Company (TEC) and Tarbert Harbour Authority (THA) amongst others. Several other towns put in bids for the event but Loch Fyne was the chosen venue.

The review process allowed new wide ranging plans to be pulled together, details of which affect all elements of the weekend including the harbour, shore and on the water aspects. Moving forward both CCC, TEC and THA will work in collaboration to improve the shoreside entertainment making the event more appealing for spectators. Working with Argyll & Bute Council and HIE Argyll and the Islands, which both provide funding to TEC, an enhanced programme of activities is expected, central to which will be the marquee and it is anticipated that a range of high profile bands will entertain spectators and sailors shoreside. In addition, the THA has ambitious and exciting plans for the future which will involve the extensive modernisation and expansion of the shoreside facilities.

John Hardie of Tarbert Enterprise Company (TEC) said: “We’re encouraged to see that already a large number of crews have yet again booked their accommodation to next year’s Bell Lawrie Scottish Series – this bodes well for an increase in attendance in 2008. The residents of Tarbert will yet again issue a traditional warm invitation to competitors and crew, old and new, and hope they enjoy the event. Working closely with the Tarbert Harbour Authority, the CCC and Bell Lawrie we will ensure that the event is another great occasion.”

All those involved in the event are focused on broadening the appeal of sailing to encourage more youngsters to take it up, ensuring that Scotland continues to produce world class sailors like Shirley Robertson and Charlotte Dobson. The CCC is proactively promoting the CYCA handicap element of the campaign to ensure sailors, whatever their level, feel they can sign up for the event.

The CCC will build on last years 100 per cent success rate of 8 out of 8 IRC, 10 out of 10 Sportboats/One Design and 7 out of 7 CYCA race programme with some new variations on standard courses in the planning stages. The inbound race feeders from Bangor, Northern Ireland on Wednesday 21 May and from Inverkip on the Clyde on Thursday 22 May will continue. The CYCA fleet will see the biggest change with a new Round The Island race which will take them around the outside of the two mid and South loch fleets and down Loch Fyne before returning to Tarbert for the finish. With a ‘Big Pot’ prize for the overall corrected time winner and individual class prizes this gives the CYCA fleet at Bell Lawrie Scottish Series 2008 a premier race well worth winning.

The CCC have extended an open invitation to sailing clubs, local, national and international-based to campaign their members to join together in making Bell Lawrie Scottish Series a showcase for Scottish Sailing. In return the CCC will be recognising their input with an overall Best Performing Club prize.

The village of Tarbert, the Clyde Cruising Club and sponsors Bell Lawrie are delighted to invite all sailors to enjoy what will be the best Bell Lawrie Scottish Series ever at Tarbert, Loch Fyne from Friday 23 May to 26 Monday 2008.