That was back in the Eighties, when the event was known as the McEwan’s Scottish Series. McEwan’s was a beer brand produced by the regatta sponsor, Scottish Brewers, and all entries were given two huge 24-can slabs when they registered their boats. Also handed out were several packets of another sponsor’s product — Tunnock’s Teacakes. For the uninitiated, these delights feature a sweet, soft marshmallow centre, a crisp shortbread biscuit base, and a coating of creamy milk chocolate. Just typing this has given me cravings.
The event mostly took place in the small fishing village of Tarbert on the eastern shore of the Mull of Kintyre (yes, the one Paul McCartney sang about). Although Tarbert is only 45 miles from Glasgow as the crow flies, the drive is over 100 miles and takes up to three hours. That gave the village a wonderfully remote feel that set it apart from other major regattas of the time.
