Alex Bennetts news in Shetland Round Britain & Ireland Race

A Podium Place for Fujifilm in the Shetland Round Britain Ireland Race © Alex Bennett Ocean Racing

International yachtsman Alex Bennett from Plymouth and co skipper Malcolm Dickinson have claimed 3rd place in the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race. The hard won victory saw them cross the finish line with Fujifilm at 13:24, Friday 25th June in Plymouth with spinnaker flying trying to make the most of the very light winds.

After 2000 miles racing around the British Isles this race was right down to the wire and all 3 top boats were within the Plymouth Breakwater at the same time. Fujifilm crossed the line just 4 minutes behind Sungard Front Arena and just 17 minutes behind the winner, Solo.

Just a few hours earlier Alex and Malcolm had worked hard to gain a few extra knots of boat speed and Fujifilm had stormed into the lead off Start Point. Then, at dawn, the wind completely died. The others caught up before all four leading boats were becalmed off Salcombe. Alex and Malcolm were even forced to drop the anchor to prevent a strong tide pushing them backwards.

Alex said:”It was so frustrating for everyone. We had the lead then just a few miles from home and we’re stuck. But that’s yacht racing!”

Once the breeze picked up it was anyone’s race and the title was wide open again. It was a close fight to the finish, as it has been all the way round in this race, the Class 40’s are so evenly matched.

This race has been one of extremes. In the North Sea Fujifilm experienced 8 metre seas and severe gales of 48 knots. The boat was knocked down with the mast in the water and both Alex and Malcolm were washed out of the cockpit. Fujifilm hit a new top speed of 26 knots surfing down a wave into a wall of spray. Then, in this final leg from Lowestoft to Plymouth, they were becalmed and had to battle light and fickle winds to get home.

Alex and Malcolm were greeted in Plymouth by family, friends and the local media who have been following their progress.