The race takes place earlier than usual this year to avoid conflicting with a music festival. We will for the 12 year be entering the race in our 8 berth 40ft yacht, photos of which can be seen in the link at the top. Past or new customers are welcome to enquire regarding availability for either individual berths or the charter of vessel with skipper.
We have been chartering yachts since 2003 and have competed in the majority of Round The Island Races since then. There have been near gale force winds and also light winds forcing retirement, we have experience of all the conditions.
The Bavaria 38 has a double cabin forward, two double cabins in the stern and a double berth in the saloon. Being a cruising yacht, the traveller is forward of the hatch giving good space in the cockpit. The yacht will be entered in the Island Sailing Club division with handicap 1.003.
We head off when the tide allows on Friday 29th May from Lymington. The sail up to Cowes allows us to practice tacking and gybing for around two hours. We will aim to berth in the Medina river around 5pm. This gives time for a meal ashore and a few drinks, plus preparing the yacht for the race with its decals, race numbers and pennant. The yacht will be provisioned to allow breakfast on board due to the early start time. Our race duration is usually in the order of 9 hours and packed lunches will be provided. On arrival back at the berth we firstly make our race declaration before an on board celebration. Then ashore for a meal. Sunday provides the opportunity for a leisurely sail back to Lymington.
The race distance is 50 nautical miles anti clockwise around the Isle of Wight, starting and finishing on the Royal Yacht Squadron line at Cowes. There are likely to be around 1800 competing yachts in total from 20ft upwards, possibly 40 yachts in our particular start time. The first challenge is to get to the Needles before the tide turns against, especially if winds are light. The passage to St Catherines Point is usually a run downwind. Once round, it is a straight line to Bembridge before turning into the wind and tide for the challenging beat back to Cowes having negotiated the shallows of Ryde. Crew will be invited to take part in all aspects of sailing the yacht, a truly hands on experience.
The price per person for the three day weekend including two nights on board is £299. This includes breakfast on board, packed lunch during the race and high tea after the race. Or charter the yacht including skipper for £1995. Prices include race entry fees, berthing, fuel and VAT.
