DRUM

Passing a slightly smaller yacht, Sir Arnold Clark's DRUM has an unmistakable profile, thanks to her 98-foot high mast, whenever she is sailing on the Clyde. Originally built for pop star Simon Le Bon who planned to participate in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1985, the 78-foot long DRUM was entered into the Fastnet Race the same year as part of a crew familiarisation programme. However, during the race, extreme weather was encountered, and the yacht capsized after her keel fell off. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured and all were rescued, the yacht herself being later salvaged. After repairs, DRUM took part in the 1986 Whitbread Race and came third. In 1988 Sir Arnold Clark, of the Scottish motoring empire, purchased the yacht, and he used her to race. Later she was used for corporate charters and short cruises around the Clyde, a role which she still fulfils today. In 2005, Sir Arnold agreed to loan DRUM back to her original owner so that he could take part in the Fastnet Race and complete 'some unfinished business'. This Simon Le Bon achieved, in very different weather from his previous attempt.