Photo © Barry James Wilson
This year’s race saw thousands of sailors compete on over 1,200 yachts in one of the UK’s largest sporting events. The Round the Island Race is a true race for all with competitors enjoying a spinnaker start for the
first time in almost ten years.
The boat Eeyore, an Alacrity 18 Bilge Keel from Cowes, has laid claim to the prestigious Gold Roman Bowl, winning this year’s Round the Island Race after a long tactical day on the water. The race offered challenging
sailing conditions for the crew of Eeyore, which circumnavigated the Isle of Wight in 13 hours, 36 minutes and 31 seconds.
The fleet of over 1,200 entries contended with fluctuating wind speeds from every direction, with only 257 boats completing the race before the
10.30pm deadline
The first finisher (with a time of 7 hours, 33 minutes and 36 seconds) was Yves Le Blevec’s Grand Prix racing multihull – ‘Actual Leader’ which led for much of the race. In light to moderate winds she managed to shake off her closest on-the-water rivals – Jethou, Ino XXX, Lady
Mariposa and Mini Y.
