Round the Island - IOW - Sailing Race - July 1

JTURNER · 22 March 2017, 13:05

Hi All, in previous years I have had the pleasure of taking part as a competitor in the Round the Island sailing race - usually on a little SB20 (a big laser basically), last year the class was cancelled because there was too much wind, so this year I am thinking to take the RIB out and enjoy the spectacle and watch some of the big boats start first thing. I am mindful that there are 1700+ sailing boats in the solent, so it is a busy day, and just as with the race, will require an early start, but it would be great to take my two boys out to see the sailing on the water. Has anyone gone out to spectate from their RIB in the Solent during previous races? are there any restrictions (other than sailing vessels clearly have priority and right of way when under sail etc etc) by the race organisers on who can be where and when? I cannot see anything on the race website so would be great to get your thoughts on this. I am thinking to go out from the Dry Stack in Southampton and perhaps down to the Needles and then come back to Southampton once all the interesting boats have passed. Your thoughts and input greatly appreciated. Best Jonathan

Starovich · 22 March 2017, 13:33

Been out past couple of years, common sense needs to prevail, give everything a wide berth, as you will understand as a competitor, a spectator rib getting in the way is really not good.

Its a wonderful sight with great photo ops, last year proved exciting with lots going on including photos of all of a 45ft boat one second and the next shot only the masthead as we went from trough to peak

Lee argyle · 22 March 2017, 13:39

We normally go to the needles and watch the race, its quite a sight with the horizon wall to wall with sails across the Solent. Also witnessed numerous yachts cutting too close to the light house and going aground, not forgetting the wreck of the Varvassi and Goose rock which again at low tide can catch the unwary out……………………yet they keep coming back to them every year! lol
Once round the point the run down to St Catherine's is also fantastic to watch, especially if the yachts are running with the wind and have spinnakers up.
Hurst is also quite a sight, not a lot of room and quite a few boats, gets busy!
One year we were sat off Scratchells bay in amongst 100’s and 100’s of yachts all becalmed ( that year many didn't make the finish due to the lack of wind ) and the following year, storm force winds off the western wight – that was fun

Oh. no restrictions as far as I'm aware. just keep an eye out and use a little common sense on where you park

taitharris · 22 March 2017, 16:32

Keep a sharp lookout (definitely have at least two pax aboard). No harm getting fairly close but do not become the annoying bloke with a powerboat.

JTURNER · 27 March 2017, 11:53

Thanks everyone, great input. Will see how the weather looks that week and make a decision on it then. Sounds like no restrictions, but dont be an idiot, keep a close watch on all sides, stay safe and stay out of the way! If I get some pics I will post on here. Best JT

JTURNER · 30 June 2017, 19:12

Weather looking good for tomorrow. I decided against watching the start as first boats are at 530am which means leaving London at something like 3am!! so will go to watch the finishers a bit later. I will aim to leave the Dry Stack in Southampton around 10am. Does anyone know if the watersport/waterski area in Osborne Bay is operating normally or will this be closed off for the sailing? Will aim for a morning coffee in Cowes and then head down to Bembridge. Maybe see some of you out there tomorrow. Best Jonathan

Fender · 30 June 2017, 19:34

We're heading for the needles to watch the big boys go round
https://vimeo.com/173273706?ref=fb-share&1
Letting our lines go about 6am and off..........