Being someway off the mainland this little known about festival is something of a gem and has a slowly growing following.

The Sail Stornoway festival is held to promote and provide a week of sailing and related activities for which the unique traditional sailing craft (Sgoth) of the Hebrides have opportunity to display their prowess and splendour, to keep such sailing skills alive and to encourage greater participation from both the local boat ownership and attract visiting boats to take part in a number friendly and competitive challenges.

To bring leisure sailing out on display so as to promote Stornoway as a destination for both visitors and locals alike to enjoy the wonderful sailing opportunities the Outer Hebrides has to offer.

Associated events take place throughout the festival. The festival is held so that it coincides with the Celtic Musical festival held in the castle grounds and at venues throughout Stornoway and across the Isle of Lewis.

The festival is enjoyed by local boating enthusiasts and a growing number of visiting boats. The festival is also appreciated by many spectators who have the opportunity to see both traditional and modern boats out in the harbour area in numbers, which makes a splendid sight for Stornoway.

These friendly Festivals are open to everyone. If you have a traditional boat, a modern boat or just want to come and join in you are welcome.

Whether you are an old hand or a novice does not matter. There is sailing in company, food, music, cameraderie, receptions, displays, sailing tuition, sailing challenges to suit all tastes and prizes.

Dingy tuition for all ages and abilities give everyone a chance to get on the water during the festival week. And many of the local boats are willing to take onboard visiting crew. Come along and ask.

If brining your own boat, there is mooring along side the harbour wall and if you are really early or lucky there may be space in the marina. On entry to the harbour call Stornoway Harbour on VHF 12 and tell them you are taking part in the Sail Stornoway Festival.

Stornoway is a pleasant surprise and even in a small boat the crossing from Gairloch, Portree or Ullapool is a pleasant passage in fair weather and an exciting passage in stronger conditions.

Sail Stornoway is organised by a small committee and membership and is a non-commercial organisation. We rely on sponsorship and entry fees to run the festival. We remain very grateful to all our sponsors.

We are working in close cooperation with the recently re-established Stornoway Sailing Club. (SSC)

Happy Sailing

Gerald Hales. Chairman Sail Stornoway 2013.