There are times when winning isn't everything. In fact, the Round The Island Race, which took place on 15th July 2024, was an opportunity to re-work the phrase. ”Finishing isn't everything” would be more fitting. 

Our team, comprised of more seasoned sailors than has sometimes been the case, set off on Friday morning from Gosport Marina, filled with expectation for the famous old race around the Isle of Wight on Saturday. We were quietly determined to do a good job, especially as we were on board 'Kilderkin', a Sigma 362, ideal for racing and cruising, owned by Bourne To Sail. Our skipper, Craig Coupe and First Mate, Oli Richardson, also joint founders, prepared us meticulously for the day ahead. The weather forecast was a reason for concern, which ratcheted up the pressure slightly and helped focus our minds. Dark clouds were building and the breeze was stiffening. This may have accounted for the hearty welcome we afforded ourselves on reaching Shepards Marina at Cowes that evening, where tapas, wine, beer and whiskey were feverishly consumed. 

The following morning, despite a deceptively sunny start as the first fleets set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron at 0600, conditions quickly deteriorated to become even more extreme than many forecasts had suggested. The Needles Battery wind station (above the famous rock formation) recorded gusts of 54 knots from 0700, our start time, and a steady wind of 39-45 knots from the south-west. Competitors reported 35-40 knots going through Hurst Narrows.

This led to a severe sea state on the south of the island which saw many boats which had started, choosing to turn back before the Needles. Fewer than 100 boats in the IRC and ISCRS fleets (the majority of monohulls) were recorded as rounding the Needles. 

Many of those retiring had reported sail damage, particularly torn mainsails. Two yachts sank and there was a collision off Yarmouth, and at least one 'man overboard' incident, which was recovered swiftly. Praise for the RNLI!

Kilderkin performed well, the crew was willing but the conditions were atrocious, and after a good, and occasionally alarming, workout for the crew, our skipper announced the inevitable but disappointing decision that having got as far as Yarmouth, we would turn back and retire from the race. There was real concern for our safety, as well as the potential damage to the boat. The call was made easier when the genoa tore at the head, as we tacked. Other boats were turning back ahead of us, refusing to venture beyond the Needles. It didn't feel good but we all accepted that our race was run for that day. After two and a half hours on the water we limped back to Cowes. We learned a lot that morning, in particular, I learned not to accept a mug of hot tea in a force 8, just as the skipper announces “ready about…”

The fact remains, the OT crew enjoyed three spectacular days sailing, one of which was more adrenaline filled than normal and better still, all have said they hope to be back for the Arrow Trophy in October. By way of contrast, the sail back to Gosport on Sunday was a delightful, sun kissed jaunt with a moderate breeze. Encouraged by our hosts, everyone had a go at the helm and it dawned on all of us that this weekend was the reason why we loved sailing.

Some spaces are still available for the Arrow Trophy on 5-6 October, so if you are interested in participating, no matter what level of experience you have, please contact Nick Pointon (nick@pointon.net) or James Leahy via Tonbridge Connect.

Team:

• Craig Coupe (Bourne To Sail)
• Oli Richardson (Bourne To Sail)
• Max Aylmer (PS 2011-16)
• Artem Vasenin (PS 2012-14)
• Dylan Thatcher (SH/JH 2014-20)
• James Leahy (PH 1974-79)

Report by James Leahy

Other News

• Another OT, David Jackson, was also racing in the RTI race this year on another boat, and was one of the only 100 or so boats to finish. Congratulations, David!