It might have been a year late but the 70th anniversary of Helensburgh Sailing Club found perfect weather for a party at the weekend.

The club, foudned in 1951, has gone from strength to strength - and recorded a 10-15 per cent growth as well in recent years.

About 40 boats took part in the anniversary sail around the bay on Saturday with a couple hundred friends and family out on the water and then returning to the club for a BBQ.

Honorary secretary Donald McLaren told the Advertiser: "It was good - we were very lucky with ther weather. It was a very enjoyable event.

"The club has always had a volunteer, do-it-yourself ethos and that has kept subscriptions down so we are very much affordable.

"We cater to a lot of different interests. Our junior training has been a big attraction. It is a good family club and that was very visible at the weekend."

One of the many juniors to rise through the ranks returned on Saturday in the form of Michael McIntyre, 1988 Olympic gold medal winner and a member of the club since 1967.

He met up with long-time friends at the club in "Tri nhor" [corr] and said the club owes its success to some core individuals.

Michael said: "The anniversary was something I couldn't really miss. It was great to be there and see old friends.

"The club's longevity is down to a series of individuals who have been super passionate about the club to keep it going and make it a success - a bunch of epople with a real passion for it and who have passed that to their children and friends, and it's got a real family feel."

He added: "I hope they continue producing the high quality sailors and continue for many years to come. It was great to see that continuing."

The club has about 60 boats off moorings and 180 dingies parked and, although they haven't hit their maximum capacity yet, there is still room to grow.

Donald said they would look forward to their next big anniversary - and hopefully mark it in a more significant way - for their 75th.