MORE than 120 people from across the community had a splashing time at a special event.

Troon Cruising Club recently held their Family Gala Day at the harbour area.

The rain stayed away for most of the day - resulting in a constant stream of sailing boats, power boats, dinghies and kayaks leaving from and returning to the club’s pontoon all afternoon, loaded full of excited adults and children with trips out into the bay proving very popular.

Alongside the Sea Safety and charity stalls, nautical demonstrations and boat jumble the BBQ and clubhouse “cafe” were a big hit with refreshments and home baking being enjoyed alongside colourful displays of the club’s activities and information about the club and how to become a member.

The Pirates & Mermaids Corner - together with an inflatable pirate ship - and an appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow, provided an imaginative distraction for the younger visitors who thoroughly enjoyed the pirate and mermaid tattoos, face painting, treasure hunt and free ice lollies provided by the Co-op Muirhead.

The morning racing associated with the event was run in very light conditions but two short races were completed close to Barassie Bay with C McGaughey and crew on Crystal Clear taking first overall and the prize sponsored by saildoctor.co.uk and G&C Muir on Petra taking second and Kyle Chandlers of Irvine donating that prize. The club thank their sponsors for their time, support and generosity.

Anyone interested in joining please pop into the club or log on to: www.trooncruisingclub.org/members/membership-forms/