Round the Island Yacht Race

Seven Churcher’s students successfully competed in the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on Saturday 19th June, one of the largest yacht races in the world, with 1754 yachts of all shapes and sizes racing 60 miles around the Isle of Wight.  

Sailing on 'Exhilarance' a 50ft X-yacht, we had an early start in the dark at Hamble Point Marina at 03.30am, casting off with excitement to join the steady stream of yachts heading out of the river towards the start at Cowes.  Starting in the first 'Class Zero' start at 05.00, and with light winds on the beam we hoisted the spinnaker and followed the huge J Class yacht 'Velsheda' out towards the Needles.  Gybing off the lighthouse and racing on a close reach towards St Catherine’s Point, the wind increased and the Churcher's College crew lined the rail.  At St Catherine’s a gusty unpredictable wind came down across the cliffs, but Clive Buesnel skilfully steered a steady course overtaking twenty boats caught further out in the tide as we fought on towards Bembridge Ledge buoy. 

The crew worked hard and put in some slick tacks as we progressed back up the Solent towards the forts.  We all felt that we were part of a very special race as support crews in ribs buzzed past and a news helicopter hovered overhead, the camera man taking impossible risks to get the best shot. 

We crossed the Cowes finish line at 12.36 coming 20th in class zero and 472nd overall out of  the 1754 boat fleet.
 
Sarah Kennedy

(photos by Sarah Dixon)