Moray Firth Challenge

19/08/2025

11/08/2025

Some more photos and videos from an excellent weekend of paddling on Loch Ness and the Moray Firth.

11/08/2025

Great weekend at the Moray Firth Challenge.
High winds on Saturday made for a fantastic downwind on Loch Ness.We kept an eye out for Nessie, but it was too windy for her.

Conditions mellowed a bit on Sunday for the race. But still a nice breeze gave an 18km downwind along the coast.

Good to catch up with friends who had come from far and wide to enjoy some of the paddling we have in the north.

Results here:
https://www.morayfirthchallenge.com/results-2025

09/08/2025

Morning folks,
As you can see , the forecast has not improved, with wind speeds in excess of 40mph forecast for around 1300hrs today.
The race will not go ahead today.
But the plan is to hold the race on Sunday, starting at 1030 in Nairn.
Registration will be open at 0830 at the Nairn Harbour Yard at 0830 on Sunday morning. So in order to save anyone having to travel this morning, it is possible to register on Sunday morning.

It will still be possible to register this morning for any paddler who is down at the yard .
Some paddlers will be heading to loch Ness today and will be leaving the yard between 0930 and 1000 today.

Volunteers. If you have to travel, then please don't. If you are local and are still able to come down for 0900 then you can help organise a few things.
If you are able to help on Sunday , please let me know.

The BBQ is still happening today at 1500hrs at the Harbour Yard. So I hope to see as many of you as can manage.

08/08/2025

Just incase you haven't received the information by email -

The organisers have had much discussion on the expected conditions and have discussed safety cover with the sailing club crews who are providing safety cover.
Current forecast for Saturday 1300 is SW wind 22mph gusting 40mph (F6 gusting F8).
Although this is blowing nicely along the coast from Nairn to Findhorn, this wind is too strong for us to be able to safely hold the race during this time slot. It is too strong for the safety boats to be able to operate safely along the whole course route.
Although some of you will enjoy the challenge and thrills of paddling in such conditions, as organisers we have to ensure that we can provide adequate safety cover in order to run the race.
Therefore, as the forecast currently stands, we will not be able to run a race from Nairn to Findhorn on Saturday. However, forecasts are not always accurate and we intend to check the situation at 0900 on Saturday morning.

If the forecast is unchanged then we propose to run the race on Sunday morning with the first start time at 1030hrs. Conditions are looking favourable for a Nairn to Findhorn downwind on Sunday morning.
If the forecast has improved overnight, and the centre of the low pressure moves away northwards more quickly than forecast, and conditions are considered safe, then the race will go ahead as planned on Saturday.
If the race is on Sunday instead of Saturday, then folks can arrange to enjoy a downwind paddle on Saturday.
Loch Ness - https://www.morayfirthchallenge.com/loch-ness-down-wind

Loch Ness Down Wind Michael Surmon is hoping to do a downwind on the Loch on the Sunday following the event and if it goes ahead would welcome others joinng him. The downwind conditions on Loch Ness can be very good as you can see in this video. As this is weather dependent please speak with the e...

05/08/2025

https://morayfirthchallenge.com/event-timings

The Moray Firth Challenge Incorporating the Scottish Ocean Racing Championship Saturday 9 August 2025 Enter Please read the rules before you enter.  Boat Hire Please click this link to see a list of possible boat hire options.  About The event is based in Nairn and you can complete the challenge i...

05/08/2025

After a hectic day of wind yesterday it has settled down with SW winds @ Nairn. If the current forecast stays the same then a Nairn to Findhorn route is likely but a provisional decision will be made on Friday and confirmed at the briefing on Saturday.
Sunday is looking like there will be a downwind possibility, maybe Loch Ness ...let's see nearer the time.
Hope to see you all at the weekend

05/07/2025

Great downwind run this morning from Nairn to Findhorn. Getting things organised for the on 9th August.

19/03/2025

More Loch Ness from the 'better camera' Nice atmospheric view back up the Loch!

04/03/2025

Cracking Loch Ness downwind last weekend. Bit dark but it is still winter. Great paddle when the wind blows!

11/02/2025

This years Moray Firth Challenge will be Saturday the 9th August 2025

29/07/2024

First Loch Ness downwind in ages. Great conditions with ice cream and monster spotting at the end.