A Busy Summer Season
The season is in full swing at Oban Marina based on the picturesque Isle of Kerrera, gateway to the Scottish Western and a short distance from Oban. This summer, the marina will welcome several new regattas with competitors from afar afield as Denmark.

Following expansion in 2010, the marina can now accommodate up to 145 visiting yachts on fully serviced pontoons and swinging moorings. Its marina and boatyard services, plus proximity to some of the most spectacular cruising and racing grounds in the world, has increased its attraction to regatta organisers world wide.

On a gusty day it was a gutsy performance from the dedicated kayak anglers who took part in the OK Classic Kayak Fishing Tournament at Swanage on 28th May. A total of 69 enthusiastic competitors took to the water in what was the second year of this increasingly popular event. There were 79 entries this year, nearly twice as many as last year, and £790 was raised for the local RNLI Lifeboat Station. Despite the challenging weather conditions and the fact that the organizers had to reduce the fishing areas due to the sea state, nine different species were caught in this catch and release competition.

Winner Michael Milton caught five different species and went away with the fantastic first prize of a Prowler Trident 13 Angler worth £749. Another superb fishing kayak, a Prowler Trident 11 Angler worth £699, went to runner up Ed Gibson who caught four different species. In third place Mark Radcliffe had three different species and took home a terrific Caper Angler worth £549.

The Southampton Sports Boat and RIB show returned even bigger and better this weekend at Ocean Village Marina and certainly finished on a high – with visitor numbers up over 15% compared to the 2010 event, and reports of great sales, fantastic entertainment and delighted exhibitors.

In the region of 4,000 visitors flocked to enjoy the endless array of on and off water entertainment from brands including Suzuki Marine, the show’s headline sponsor, Piranha RIBs, Hunton Powerboats and MRL.

There was plenty for all the family to enjoy including aqua zorbing, freestyle jet ski demonstrations and the official launch of the AquaX jet ski competition series, along with fashion shows, on-land activity demonstrations and free fast-paced RIB rides.

The Little Britain Challenge Cup, Europe’s largest commercial sailing regatta, now in its 24th year, received a record number of firm entries on the first day of opening the on-line booking service.

Mary Scott Jackson, Event Manager comments,

“This is the most encouraging start, with nigh on 50% of the entry capacity taken up last year already spoken for. It looks like the industry are seeing the LBCC as a serious networking opportunity as well as having a wonderful few days’ racing. We forsee this being a sell out year, so urge regulars and newcomers alike, who have yet to register, not to delay, so they can be assured of place in the 8-11 September event.”

There’s a great chance to try kayaking for free at this year’s OK Classic Fishing Tournament in Swanage.  While the tournament competitors are out on the water, a special demonstration day will be taking place where colourful recreational sit-on-tops will be on display and members of the public will also be able to get afloat and have a go.

No previous experience is necessary, safety equipment will be provided and participants will be fully supervised. There will also be plenty of free advice for anyone interested in getting started in the hugely popular sport of sit-on-top kayaking. The demonstration fleet will be based in Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage and launching will take place close by from the Monkey Beach