A Scottish armada of 11 yachts and two motorboats made a return crossing of the Solway to Whitehaven at the weekend.
Eight yachts set off from Kippford in line ahead formation in the early hours of Saturday morning while three more slipped their moorings at Kirkcudbright bound for Cumbria.
The two contingents made their rendezvous out in the Solway Firth and proceeded to the English port in fine weather and calm sea conditions.
The wind was light to begin with from the south-west but strengthened slightly to Force 4 as the day progressed and all aboard the yachts enjoyed a great sail.
Around midday two motorboats from Kippford set off and caught up with the fleet around Robin Rigg wind farm before racing off to the lock at Whitehaven marina which has berthing for more than 400 boats and full support facilities for yachting and motorboat enthusiasts.
All boats were safely through the sea lock and in the marina by late afternoon and a champagne reception for the fleet aboard Tonic and then Spindrift.
Event co-ordinator Neil Munro of Solway Yacht Club at Kippford said: “My understanding is that the partying by some went on until the early hours with a few sampling the delights of Whitehaven night life.
“The armada set sail the next morning clearing the lock shortly after breakfast.
“Initially the winds, from the south-east, were very light. However, they picked up in the afternoon to force 4-5 and an even better sail back was reported. Moonrise achieved seven knots on the prolonged reach home and all yachts and motorboats arrived safely back at their home ports.
Camelot sailed to Maryport where she is staying for much of the summer and Misty remained in Whitehaven for maintenance work.”
Neil added: “Everyone was happy to be back on the water after two long years of lockdown.
“It is hoped to repeat this visit to Whitehaven next year as well as exploring other harbours and ports in the interim along the Solway coastline. Our likely destinations will be the Isle of Whithorn, Maryport, Garlieston, Kirkcudbright and maybe later Port William, Portpatrick and the Isle of Man.”
