Round the Island Race Photos 2008

Bacon sarnies then off the dock at 06:00 for an early and overcast 07:20hrs start this year. After a great beat down the Western Solent in blustery South Westerly Force 5/6 winds and rounding a very lumpy Needles the sun came out and we headed South East for a roller coaster ride.

Heading inshore to Brightstone Bay and hugging  the coast to avoid a foul tide we picked up the favourable back eddy to St Catherine's point. 

Gybing for the long run to Bembridge, winds gusting over 30knots caused problems for several boats around us, with blown spinnakers and broken masts. Luckily we faired well and headed North at Bembridge around the Eastern end of the Island, power reaching at a steady 8/9 Knots. Navigating only on the compass after our Electronics failed.

 Exiting  close quarters sailing was had as the whole fleet streamed around No Man's Land Fort and split into two halves. We chose the North West route to Gilkicker point, then tacked back to Rye Pier, keeping to the shallows of Mother Bank and Osbourne bay avoiding the building flood tide. 

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

Great crew and a great days sailing. 

Results: 259 overall out of 1750

                  40 in group out of 188

                  10 in division out of 60

Our best result to date!

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