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High-speed water sports return to their 'perfect venue'

News imageMike Pringuer Racers on wind hydrofoil boards speed across the water from left to right. There are three of them in total.Mike Pringuer
Five days of racing are taking place at Loch Ryan

Five days of high-speed racing are getting started at their "perfect venue" on the waters off south-west Scotland.

The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships will take place on Loch Ryan until Sunday.

It is the fourth consecutive year that the site near Stranraer has played host to some of the "UK's finest windsurfers, wing foilers and hydrofoil sailors".

More than 100 competitors are expected at what has become a major event combining elite competition with community engagement.

News imageMike Pringuer A series of wind surfers with bright red sails carrying the Union JackMike Pringuer
The competitors make for a striking scene on the waters off south-west Scotland

Competitors will take part in four to six races each day, providing continual action that can be viewed both from the shore and from designated viewing areas on the water.

In addition to championship racing, the event will offer a range of opportunities for the local community to get involved.

Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) will host taster sessions designed to introduce newcomers to wind sports.

New for 2026 is the "Groms" programme, aimed at young and aspiring windsurfers and wing foilers taking their first steps into large-scale competition.

News imageMike Pringuer Two people on windsurfing boards in the bay at Loch RyanMike Pringuer
As well as the competition there are also taster sessions for those wishing to try the sports

Danny Hawthorn, who chairs the Scottish Fin and Foil Association (SFFA), said: "Loch Ryan is the perfect venue.

"It is centrally located within the UK, easily accessible from Ireland, and offers consistently reliable wind conditions that create excellent racing opportunities."

The event is being delivered with support from SWSA, which is currently developing a new watersports facility on the harbour.

The championships rely heavily on volunteer support with about 50 to 60 people helping to deliver this year's event.

The SFFA's Jenni Hopley added: "We have probably doubled the number of competitors from when we first started, and we have probably doubled the number of volunteers.

"The support that we are getting from the harbour and the harbour officer and the surrounding area has been incredible.

"I think what we are doing is we are putting our Scottish Fin and Foil event on the map.

"We are drawing in people who are travelling from as far London, from Weymouth, from Wales just to come and participate in what is a really exciting and energetic event here in Stranraer."