Round the Island Race
The days leading up to the 87th edition of the Round the Island Race saw the forecasted winds build – and, too, the debate for skippers: to race or not race? The iconic 50nm circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, organised by the Island Sailing Club (ISC), is an annual highlight for many, a true ‘race for all’; with nearly 1000 boats entered and several thousand crew members due to compete on June 15, it was not a choice anyone was taking lightly.
By the Friday afternoon, the race committee – in consultation with weather and safety experts - prudently shouldered some of the decision-making when they announced the cancellation of eight of the smaller classes and issued direct safety guidance to the remaining entrants. Race Director Dave Atkinson explained that, “clear communication about the challenging conditions was vital”. So too was ensuring all skippers were aware of their responsibility to, “evaluate the capability of their crew and the suitability of their boat to handle the expected conditions” and ultimately, make their own decision as to whether to take part.
Unsurprisingly - given the forecasted strong winds and sea state – a number of individual
