In pictures: Round the Island Race winners and racing drama
The 91st edition of the Island Sailing Club’s Round the Island Race started with a bang from the Royal Yacht Squadron’s starting cannons at 0800 on 25 June and over 1,100 boats competing in the 50 nautical mile race around the Isle of Wight.
The first monohull to cross the finish line was Ian Atkins’ GP42 Dark’n’Stormy, in a time of 4h54m, picking up the Gold Roman Bowl for first IRC boat. The last time a boat picked up line honours, and the Gold Roman Bowl, was Simon Le Bon’s Drum in 1988.
Julian Linton’s Grand Prix multihull N.R.B completed the circumnavigation of the Island in a time of 4h19m.
Dave Atkinson, race director says: “The race started under perfect race conditions with a south westerly 15-knot breeze. The Class 0 yachts headed down the Solent to the west and showed some close racing. It was a fantastic sight to watch the huge fleet of all types of boat, families and professionals, following at ten-minute intervals.”
James Harayda from the Gentoo Sailing Team said: “We’re really excited to be competing in this year’s Round the Island Race onboard our new IMOCA 60 Gentoo. It’ll be our first race on the IMOCA and an excellent test for sailing such a boat in a relatively confined and busy environment. The Island Sailing Club’s Round the Island Race is one of my favourite events of the year, with a nice mix of competitive racing and a great social element too.”
The race charity, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, entered five boats including Solent Hero, which Dame Ellen MacArthur was racing on alongside young people supported by her cancer charity.
The Island Sailing Club partnered with the Cowes Yacht Haven this year to stage a race village, which was open to competitors, supporters and visitors to Cowes.
B&G was the official race marine electronics partner.
All images courtesy of Paul Wyeth – pwpictures.com
