The people of Rhu have spoken of their disappointment after Shandon sailor Anna Burnet was disqualified in the Paris Olympics.

The former Lomond School pupil and her partner John Gimson competed in the Nacra 17 medal race in Marseille on Thursday, August 8.

The pair went into the medal race in the mixed multihull class in third position and well placed to match the silver they claimed in Tokyo.

But they crossed the start-line fractionally early and, after not crossing back to start again, which would have erased the penalty, they were ejected from the race and slipped to fourth.

Laura Cowan, regional development officer for the Royal Yachting Association, said: "For Anna as a woman within the sport, she has moved across different classes and shown how flexible and adaptable she is.

"I am really interested to see where her journey goes next."

A ‘watch party’ was held at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club (RNCYC) in Rhu, where Burnet learned her craft, on Wednesday afternoon, but family, friends and past coaches were left unable to cheer Anna on after her race was postponed until the following day due to poor weather.

Tom Stewart, rear commodore at the RNCYC, said: "I am disappointed for Anna and John. They have worked so hard to get to there and were in sniffing distance of a medal, so they will be gutted."

However, Burnet and Gimson can not afford to dwell on their disappointment, with their wedding coming up early next month.

And avid sailors and keen supporters at the club have expressed their pride on how far the couple have come in their sport.

Longstanding RNCYC member Dinkie Fairlie said: "What a huge disappointment for Anna and John, but we are all so proud of them for what they have done.

"Everybody was so disappointed because we were so hopeful they were going to do really well. Just to be over the line and not realise is devastating.

"For them, they just need to look forward to their wedding. They will have to put this behind them and step forward. We are all so proud of you."

The official Nacra 17 sailing social media account said: "Devastating moment as Team GB Tokyo Silver medallists John Gimson and Anna Burnet missed their chance at a podium finish in the final race of the Paris 2024 Olympics due to an early start.

"Despite the setback, they returned to shore with smiles, celebrating their fellow sailors' success. True sportsmanship on display."