Round the Island Race

Expected to have been the second largest gathering of contestants in the event's history, the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race took place on Saturday 23rd June in Cowes.

Nearly 1,800 boats and 14,500 competitors took part in the 55-mile course around the Isle of Wight in a race that saw some of the biggest names in the sailing world competing alongside weekend sailors and family crews. Amongst the celebrity contestants taking to the waves were double Olympic champion Shirley Robertson, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and Dame Ellen MacArthur who supplemented her already remarkable list of achievements by scooping first place.

Celebration for Cowes catarmaran crew

The winning yacht, skippered by Dame Ellen MacArthur, was appropriately named 'JP Morgan Asset Management' and overtook last year's winners ICAP Leopard in the closing stages to complete the course in just over four hours. The all-British team on ABN AMRO crossed the finishing line just 50 seconds behind Ellen to claim second place with Leopard coming in third followed by the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team in forth. It was at one point anticipated that the front-runners in the race might be on for a course record but unfortunately, in total contrast to the south, there was less wind in the north of the Island than was required.

Ellen MacArthur skippered one of a brand new breed of high-tech catarmarans known as Extreme 40. They are built for speed and, given the right conditions have the potential to reach a speed of 40mph. It certainly seemed that the climate was near perfect for catarmarans with the sea state flattened and a wind speed of 12-15 knots.

Picture Perfect

The Round the Island Race, which is hosted by the Island Sailing Club, began off the coast of Cowes at 5am Saturday morning with the first starter's cannon being fired by TV gardening legend, broadcaster, writer and the next High Sheriff of the Island, Alan Titchmarsh. As well as attracting a vast number of participants this particular race is also one of the most picturesque and many spectators flocked with their cameras to the various vantage points across the Island in a bid to try and capture the perfect shot. For those who missed out, many of the boats that took part will be returning to the Island's shores for this year's Cowes Week from August 4th-11th. This will be a superb opportunity for Islanders and visitors alike to gain an exclusive close-up view of these awesome vessels.

All in aid of a good cause

Dame Ellen certainly had plenty to celebrate when it was later revealed that her charity, the Ellen MacArthur Trust, was well on course to exceed fundraising expectations thanks to the Round the Island Race. Although the trust's original target was £15,000, initial counts estimated the total raised reached an incredible £20,000. The Ellen MacArthur Trust aims to support, empower and enliven children suffering from cancer, leukaemia or other serious illnesses by introducing them to the joys of sailing on the sea. Over the years sailors and their supporters have raised invaluable funds for charities by competing in the event; last year over £30,000 was generated for good causes such as the Ellen MacArthur Trust, Macmillian Cancer Support, Prostate Research Campaign UK and Breast Cancer Care. As a result, the annual Round the Island Race has gained a forcible reputation for being an important day for charity fundraising as well as the sport of sailing.

Whether you were taking part or are just interested in this unique event, you'll find further in-depth information about the race on the official JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race website.

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