Charlotte's Blog: Round the Island Race 2018
Avid sailor and Topsail Insurance Account Executive, Charlotte spent the day with MS Amlin at this year's Round the Island yacht race. In her latest blog Charlotte tells us how the race went.
"The sun was shining and the early train ride to Southampton was full of people setting out to enjoy the first bit of weekend sun (and the football!). I for one was very much looking forward to a day spent at the 2018 Round the Island Race with hospitality from MS Amlin.
"We arrived in Southampton swiftly and stopped off to get a nice iced coffee before departing to Cowes on the Red Jet Ferry.
"Arriving in West Cowes we were greeted by Sonia and Karen from Amlin who gave us a low down on the plan for the day before taking us along to Island Sailing Club for refreshment drinks and breakfast.
"Island Sailing club is located at the entrance to Cowes meaning we had an unspoilt view over the Solent and with the morning sun burning through and the lack of wind it became apparent it would be a long day on the water for all the competitors.
"After a quick refreshing drink we were able to head out into the busy Solent on the MS Amlin RIB to view the racing first hand. By this time the tide had turned and was now becoming an issue for any yachts that had not managed to make it around the Needles. Due to the strength of the tide and lack of wind many boats were forced to retire and we were greeted by lots of them cruising past as we stopped off to have a look at a rather large Superyacht that was moored up taking in the afternoon sun.
"It was great to get out on the water and see some of the competitors but it was time to head back for lunch before the afternoons events.
"A buffet lunch was served at the Island Sailing Club and talk soon turned to the days racing and thoughts on when we expected to see the first yacht crossing the finish line. Due to the light winds this event was regarded as one of the most challenging on record but was won overall on corrected time by Ross Applebey and his High Potential team. Although the MOD70 Foiling Trimaran, Concise Fling, won afloat with their overall time taking almost twice as long as predicted. At a time of 8.34.09 it was one of the slowest first home times recorded in the history of the race.
"After a fulfilling lunch it was time to head down to the Cloudy Bay Race tent to watch the first boats come into dock and also catch a glimpse of the England football match.
"We were shortly joined by the team from Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator who were the first Monohull over the line, all very pleased with their performance during the race.
"The day ended with great hospitality from MS Amlin and I thoroughly enjoyed my Round the Island experience.
"A big thank you to MS Amlin for inviting Topsail Insurance to this great day of sun, sailing and hospitality."