Round the Island Race at Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club

The bizarre sight of boats being capsized and walked under the Kingsferry Bridge during the 45th Isle of Sheppey Race © Rob Spendley

Over 70 boats entered the 45th IOS Round the Island Race on Saturday 30 August. The race is a clockwise circumnavigation of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent organised by the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club.

At approximately 40 miles in length, the event is the longest race for dinghies and boards in the UK, and should not be confused with 24-hour races that allow a change of helm and crew.

This year organisers broke with tradition by scheduling the race on a Saturday so that in the event of bad weather it could be postponed to Sunday.

Perfect sailing conditions prevailed on Saturday with a steady force four northwesterly breeze and sunshine. Competitors started at half hourly intervals from 10am to 1130am with slow handicap boats setting off first and multihulls last.

The challenging course includes sea, river and estuary sailing with tidal conditions. At the Kingsferry Bridge a special dispensation in the sailing instructions allows competitors to walk their craft under the inner span of the road crossing to avoid disrupting traffic.

Over ten rescue boats were in attendance drawn from the local Sea Cadet Groups and the clubs own fleet. These were complemented by amateur radio group RAYNET who provided strategically placed lookouts and relayed radio communications around the island to ensure a safely run event.

First to finish was Aaron Young in a Stealth catamaran, who completed the course in the 3hrs 42mins, the fastest elapsed time of the day.

Mike Lyons from Burghfield Sailing Club was the overall winner for the second year running sailing his Blaze dinghy. Hot on his heels was Chris Catt from Downs Sailing Club in a 29er crewed by former Topper world champion Mark Heather. Hayling Island's Simon Allen finished third overall in his International Canoe. In the multihulls, Charles Thompson finished first in a Nacra 450.

Overall Results:

Trophy Winners:

• First overall - Mike Lyons (Blaze)
  
• Second overall - Chris Catt & Mark Heather (29er)
  
• Third overall - Simon Allen (Int. Canoe)
  
• First over the line - Aaron Young (Stealth)
  
• First monohull - 10.00 start on PY Nick Brennan & Peter Mealin (Bosun)
  
• First monohull - 10.30 start on PY Mike Lyons (Blaze)
  
• First monohull - 11.00 start on PY Chris Catt & Mark Heather (29er)
  
• First multihull on SCHRS - Charles Thompson (Nacra 450)
  
• First sailboard on elapsed time - Richard Baker (Sailboard)
  
• First female helm on PY - Sue Annett (Wayfarer)
  
• First singlehanded dinghy on PY - Mike Lyons (Blaze)
  
• First IOS boat over the line - Ian Brunger & Colin Hunter (Laser 4000)
  
• First IOS boat on PY - Chris Bell & John Jefferies (Albacore)
  
• First under 16 helm on PY - Simon Conway & Byron Stanislanlis (Laser II)
  
• First Bosun - Nick Brennan/Peter Mealin
  
• First Wayfarer - Sue Annett/Paul Kenwood
  

More Information:

• Event Website