PEOPLE in Helensburgh boarding the Waverley or walking the prom last Saturday were treated to the special sight of the Gareloch One Design fleet racing just off Helensburgh pier.

Saturday’s event was particularly special as it featured a team race involving the local ‘Gareloch’ owners and members of the German Classic Yacht Club – Freundenskreis Klassiche Yachten (FKY) – who were paying their biennial visit to the town.

The first of seven races was won by the visiting German yachtsmen, but by the end of the seven races held during the course of the day, the home team squeaked out a win by the skin of their teeth, with Helensburgh and Rhu skippers bested their visitors by four races to three.

Following their dinner at the Rosslea Hotel on Saturday, Further racing was held in the Gareloch and around the Sugar Boat on Sunday.

Local yachtsman, Tim Henderson, who skippered Blue Iris, the committee vessel, on the day, described it as “the best racing the club has had with FKY in the history of the competition”.

Next year the Gareloch sailors will head to Germany to visit their guests and continue the annual challenge series, which began in 1999.

Just 16 of the classic ‘Gareloch One’ sailing yachts were built in 1924 at McGruer’s yard in Clynder, and on Saturday, eight of them were out racing.

All 16 of the original Garelochs can still be found at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club.