Wind sports championship heading back to Stranraer

Last year's Scottish Fin and Foil 2024 also took place in Stranraer

The waters near a south of Scotland town are to host a major sports competition for the second time in a matter of weeks.

The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships is the latest event to descend on Stranraer with 80 to 100 windsurfers and wing foilers expected to take part.

It comes after the international SkiffieWorlds saw thousands compete in community-built boat racing on Loch Ryan.

The latest three-day event - which starts on 8 August - took place in Stranraer last year too.

Fin and Foil, now in its third year, will see "the UK's finest windsurfers, wing foilers, hydrofoil sailors and their coaches" converge on Stranraer.

Competitors will take part in four days of training followed by three days of high-speed racing across multiple classes.

The event is being supported by Stranraer Water Sports Association.

Surfers compete across three days of events

Kevin Packer of the group said the association was "thrilled" to welcome a "world-class water sports event" to Loch Ryan.

"The Scottish Fin and Foil Championships offer spectators a completely different experience to SkiffieWorlds but an equally enjoyable one," he said.

"The sight of these colourful sails and lightning-fast hydrofoils racing across our beautiful loch is spectacular."

Danny Hawthorn, who chairs Scottish Fin and Foil, said Loch Ryan offered a "perfect combination" of conditions like reliable wind, sheltered waters and excellent shore access.

An estimated 50 to 60 volunteers are expected to be involved supporting both land and water-based operations.

Organisers said traditional windsurfing classes were available for the local community to try the sport.

The competition showcases wider efforts to boost Stranraer's transformation into a major water sports destination.

Work started earlier this year on a water sports hub in the town and it is scheduled to open next summer.