Some of Britain’s fastest catamaran sailors are looking to give Nessie a bit of a fright on the August Bank Holiday. The organisers of the Loch Ness Monster endurance catamaran race say they are delighted to report that the 2007 edition will be bigger and better than the inaugural race of 2004.

One of Britain's fastest catamaran, the all carbon fibre 40 ft Extreme 40, Basilica is an entrant, with a professional crew of some of the UK's most talented sailors and others top yachtsmen are coming to race in Nessie’s home waters. They included trans-Atlantic yachtsman Ross Hobson, who will be hoping that Nessie doesn’t get in his way and put him through any unwelcome ordeal. Ross became well known to a wider audience, than the world of sail racing enthusiasts, after his dramatic mid-Atlantic rescue from his capsized catamaran, Ideal Stelrad, in last year’s Route du Rhum race!

Not all the boats will be big, professional racers and one “baby” that is bound to get attention and could give both Nessie and some bigger boats a shock will be the prototype TekKat, a very fast, but affordable 6.85m racer.  

The delightful loch side village of Dores will host the 50 boat start and the road runs alongside the entire course, making for unrivalled race viewing opportunities, not to mention the sheer pleasure of driving through spectacular scenery. It all makes for a great way to have a Bank Holiday day out with a difference. If you’ve got a catamaran, there’s could even be a chance of a late entry. Race Organiser is Chris Browning at lochnesscatamarans@hotmail.co.uk

Cathy McLean

Photo. Rob Hobson's capsized catamaran in the Route du Rhum 

Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 August 2007 )