Round the Island Race (RTI) 2009

20TH June, 2009

While someone was mad enough to take their RS400 RTI, we decided on a quicker and hopefully more enjoyable experience on Aberlady (198L), a Benetau First 325, with a crew of 7 who have never sailed together. Waking at 5.30 am at Marchwood Yacht Club Hythe, we found drizzle, heavy cloud and not much wind. Equipped with our luminous green seven series boat flag, we motored up the Solent ready for our 9.00 am start. Suitably refreshed and fed with bacon butties, just as good as Pauline’s. Novices on the boat (Kathryn) quickly realised the size of the fleet, 46 in our series! in addition to total entries of 1779 boats. Helm was shared by Nick Hodgson (owner and 70+) and Ross, spinnaker work by Paul and Tim, weight Kathryn and Ray, galley Anne Ryan (owner and 70+).

The start off Cowes was cocked up (technical term) when we realised we were over the line so a hasty gybe and hoist of spinnaker to get us back on the right side. We quickly beat to the famous Needles in a Force 3 with a tussle or two with police owned boats (two of our crew are CID). The sight of The Needles is something to behold, and a photographers dream. Preparation on board for avoiding the wreck (old metal ship) and preparing the spinnaker for hasty hoist once rounded. All going well until we were stopped in our tracks by an almighty clang, we had hit the wrecks funnel. Not a time for crew to ask questions as both owners agreed to disagree on who was at fault, echo sound watcher or man on helm. As we were still thankfully a floa, not needing the help of the Lifeboat, which is conveniently positioned on the North side. Nick now tells us that in 10+ times of doing this race he has never hit the wreck, what a time to do it now. The sight of a full flotilla of boats all with full sails was fantastic, a myriad of photographers, helicopters, and press eagerly taking shots, not much chance of seeing us amongst the pack.

Ross takes over the Helm as we run passed Catherine’s Point hugging close to the shore our next cardinal is Bembridge Ledge. As this point you have no idea where you are in relation to the rest of your series, just a flock of boats stretching over 3 miles wide, all tacking across the Eastern Solent approach. What perfect sailing conditions sun, wind, and lunch provided.

As we approach Bembridge Ledge, the wind dies - completely. We are now in amongst the pack, over 60+ boats of all shapes and sizes aiming to round the cardinal, lots of shouting water, starboard, and others terms not heard at Notts County, well not often. Keeping our nerve we round the cardinal but still no wind and in completely the opposite direction to where we need to be, Kathryn loses the plot and decides she would be better to go below and help in the galley. Thankfully, 10 minutes later the wind returns and we beat along Ryde Sands back to Cowes, by this time it is close to 4.00 pm, time for more snacks and reapplying the sun lotion. Negotiating Ryde Sands is no mean feat but we are in safe hands with Ross, Nick, and Ann working the echo sounder and helming as close to our desired course. We quickly see several boats aground on the sands, all eyes needed as we call starboard and take many short tacks with the aim of taking the most direct route to the finish line that is now in sight. We are now able to identify two other boats in our class Mist and Merlin. The skipper encourages us to race these two to the finish with two new helms, Tim and Paul. Kathryn’s job at this point is to record our finish time and final position with boat numbers in front and behind, these have to be texted to the race officials. At 19.08, we cross the line to receive a gun! Well only 1st, 2nd and 3rd place boats per series get this. At this point we have no idea what we have come but decide the bottle of bubbles on ice can be opened and enjoyed. As we journey back to Hythe, our shore team inform us that Mist beat us to 1st place by 1 minute and 9 seconds!!!!!! Moreover, we are provisionally 16th out of 800 boats so we celebrate and open another bottle. We are welcomed warmly back at the Club and enjoy a fantastic meal and a few more drinks before retiring feeling totally elated but knackered, makes three races on a Sunday seem effortless!

Confirmed results: 2nd in our series out of 46 entered and 39th/800 for the ISC rating. Our advice - if you get the opportunity to sail in this race, take it, it is not only a fantastic experience but something to saviour, made even more memorable for our result. Ross Ryan and Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith (RS400, 1322)

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