Regatta cancelled as mark of respect

THE SHETLAND inter-club regatta has been cancelled for the first time after the recent deaths of two people closely associated with the event.

The annual sailing competition, which was due to take place from Wednesday until Saturday, has been running since 1947.

The deaths of Laurence Robertson, who recently retired from the committee after 31 years, and Ralph Pottinger, the vice commodore, convinced the organisers they should cancel this year’s regatta as a mark of respect.

Pottinger’s funeral is due to be held on Friday, while Robertson will be buried on Saturday.

Robertson had been the club secretary for around 15 years until 2009.

The decision to cancel this year’s regatta was taken at a committee meeting on Monday.