Calm weather has threatened to scupper the first ever St Kilda yacht race.
Around 37 sailing vessels were forced to use their engines to make way through the smooth, glassy sea to reach the start point in the Sound of Harris yesterday (Fri) morning.
And one 32ft yacht had to be towed back to Leverburgh last night after breaking down.
A light breeze fluttered the sails shortly before the siren went off for the boats to embark on a 100 mile return challenge around the UK’s remotest archipelago.
Many boats – including participants from Shetland, Cornwall, Ireland and the Clyde – were struggling to make speeds of three knots last night (Fri), pushing back initial calculations of a 24-hour trip.
The event brings the windswept St Kilda island group into sharp focus – helping to highlight the UK’s only dual world heritage site, recognised for both its natural and cultural significance, in what will be the 30th anniversary of it receiving its designation in 1986.
Also showcased is the new marina in Lochmaddy, with the 26 pontoon berths providing the North Uist economy an extra visitor boost.
The demand has resulted in hundreds of yachtsmen popping into the Uists instead of sailing past.
Gus Macaulay, chairman of Comann na Mara, was thrilled at number of vessels joining in and is now planning a similar race for 2018.
Speaking as the yachts set their compass bearing for St Kilda, Mr Macaulay said: “It will be a two year event because it takes that long to plan it.”
He said North Uist was experiencing benefits from marine tourism since the opening of the pontoons as yacht crews cruising the west coast now call in for a night or two.
Hotels, taxis, shops generate extra trade as a result, he added.