More than 800 boats enjoyed near-perfect sailing conditions as the 95th Round the Island Race was hailed as one of the best editions of the iconic event in recent years.
Competitors gathered on the Royal Yacht Squadron start line in Cowes on Saturday (11th July) before setting off around the Isle of Wight in glorious sunshine and a steady breeze.
Race Director Dave Atkinson described the event as “an amazing day and a terrific race”.
“We’ve been wishing for good weather for years, and today has really delivered for us, as we’ve had fantastic sunshine and a good breeze.
“The sight of all the spinnakers up for the start was one to behold, and really showed the race in all its glory.”
Line honours went to Pace, owned by Jonny Vincent, which completed the course in an elapsed time of 06:32:39.
Reflecting on the race, Jonny said:
“What a great day and a great race.
Article continues below this advertisement “It was hard work going down the mainland shore at the start, and there was a really funky bit around The Needles, which was a bit tricky.
“We stayed pretty close to the Island shore but so nice to head back into the sunshine.”
The overall race, decided on corrected time, was won by Tattarat, skippered by Simon Moss. Timoa, skippered by Andrew Gilmour, finished 2nd, with If Only, skippered by Ray Mitchell and David Ayling, completing the podium in 3rd.
The top 10 overall on corrected time was:
- Tattarat (Simon Moss)
- Timoa (Andrew Gilmour)
- If Only (Ray Mitchell & David Ayling)
- Madelaine (Mike Stoner & Dan Rigden)
- Marmite (Andrew Rushworth)
- Olivia Anne VI (Jan Thirkettle)
- Encounter (Charles Lucas-Clements)
- Marmalade (Jo Richards)
- Bullet (Louise Morton)
- Sonic (Robin Leather)
The prizegiving took place at the Race Village in Cowes on Sunday, with organisers celebrating another hugely successful edition of one of the world’s largest yacht races, helped by some of the best weather conditions competitors have enjoyed for many years.
