OWEN Sails has come on board to support West Highland Yachting Week which this year runs from Saturday July 30 till Friday August 5, 2016.

Owen Sails is pointed up as Scotland’s largest sailmaker and one of the major players in the UK market. Working from a purpose built 7800 sq.ft loft at Benderloch, the company is famous not only for sails for racing and cruising but production of a wide range of cover, upholstery and architectural products as well as repair and rigging services.

Diana Shellcock, senior partner said: ‘We are delighted to be involved in West Highland Yachting Week and recognise it’s the largest event on the west coast. Many of our clients take part in the Week and we feel this type of event attracts a wide range of people from the west coast. Hopefully it also encourages newcomers to the sport with the mix of passage and round the buoys racing and the range of spinnaker and white sail classes. We feel it’s important to support such an event.’

Andy Knox, chairman of the Joint Regatta Committee (JRC) welcomed Owen Sails onboard. He said: ‘Owen Sails have generously offered to support West Highland Week this year with assistance towards prizes and the gift of a number of new course marks sporting their name. We are delighted that they wish to support this prestigious event for 2016.’

Tunnock’s once again come in as the major sponsor of the 69th event with Argyll and Bute Council, Tobermory Harbour Association also supporting the week.

The Notice of Race is now published on the website as is the entry form. The first entry was received in early February and the Joint Regatta Committee sees this as an excellent sign for a healthy entry this year.

The JRC has also announced changes to the social programme for 2016. The big ceilidh of the week will be on Tuesday night at The Corran Halls where Craigendarloch, no strangers to yachting themselves, will once again get feet tapping till the ‘wee hours’.

The final night’s prizegiving will be held at Dunstaffnage Marina.