Round the Island Race Photos 2009

Bacon sarnies then off the dock at 07:30 for a later 08:50hrs start this year. Overcast and light NE winds meant a slow start. Soon the wind shifted west then eventually south west as the predicted sea breeze filled in and we beat down the western Solent.

Into the tidal race at Yarmouth Roads, then tacking across the fleet to Hurst Castle, again picking up the strongest west going tide, keeping close to the Shingles Bank and making10 knots over the ground we passed many boats on this leg. Eventually bearing away and rounding the Needles, as close as possible to the Varvassi wreck.

Problems launching our spinnaker held us back for a while, but once the kite was up we headed inshore to Brightstone Bay, in glorious sunshine for a fantastic reaching sail,  hugging  the coast to avoid a foul tide and picking up the favourable back eddy to St Catherine's point. 

Bearing away for the long run to Bembridge, winds gusting over 20knots and a rolling following sea caused problems for several boats around us. Luckily we faired well and headed North at Bembridge around the Eastern end of the Island. 

After blasting around the back of the Island it seemed to take forever to beat to Ryde, cutting inshore to avoid the tide brought us close to Ryde Sands where there were several yachts (& the Ferry!) aground. Once past Ryde Pier we kept to the shallows of Mother Bank and Osbourne bay again avoiding the building flood tide. 

Then it was everyone on the rail for the finish line and well deserved celebration beer.

Great crew and a great days sailing. 

Results: 

        316 overall out of 1735 entries

        45 in division out of 177

        11 in group out of 31

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