North Ayrshire welcomes the Fife Regatta

Over 200 years of North Ayrshire's maritime history will be celebrated at the famous Fife Regatta 2013 over the coming week.

The Regatta, which takes place from 28 June – 5 July is a unique opportunity to celebrate some of the historic yachts built by the Fife family as they return to their birthplace.

Among the vessels which will be on show are the 126-year-old Ayrshire Lass and the Astor, which was built in 1923 and has journeyed halfway around the world from its current home in California, USA.

The Fife vessels are clearly the stars of the show, but the stunning waters and coastline around Largs, Fairlie and the Isle of Cumbrae will provide a dramatic backdrop to the prestigious event.

Sailing is one of the fastest growing sectors in Ayrshire – with an average rise of 6% in the sailing industry over the last decade – and plays a major part in North Ayrshire Council's drive to boost the local economy using the area's excellent natural assets.

North Ayrshire Council currently invests around £100,000 in sailing, both in terms of infrastructure and the promotion of the area as a sailing destination.

Council Leader Willie Gibson said: "I am delighted to welcome the world-renowned Fife Regatta to North Ayrshire.

"The name resonates down the years as one of the most celebrated yacht builders in the country.

"While there have been many changes to the area since William Fyfe built his first large yacht in 1812, one thing has remained constant – the unparalleled sailing waters of the Firth of Clyde. "Fife was a byword for the innovative, sophisticated craftsmanship of 'fast and bonnie' boats and left a legacy which continues in Fairlie to this day.

"North Ayrshire is lucky enough to have some of the best and most attractive coastlines in the UK. As sailing continues to grow across the country, these qualities will help us to attract more events and visitors to the town.

"This stretch of the North Ayrshire coast continues to be an extremely popular and sought after venue for elite sailors. I am sure the future of sailing in the area will be just as bright as its past."

The Fife Regatta is one of six major sailing events to be held in North Ayrshire during 2013/14. North Ayrshire is also part of the Sail West project – a partnership which aims to promote the sailing waters between Scotland and Ireland.

For more information on the Fife Regatta visit www.fiferegatta.com