Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

Alex Alley sets Solo Round the Isle of Wight record in 'Pixel Flyer'

by Team Pixelboat 21 Jan 2017 14:17 GMT 2 January 2017

Round the world yachtsman Alex Alley has set another sailing record, this time it is the Solo Round the Isle of Wight record to go with his Length of Britain record set last year.

At 0533 on 2nd January Alex crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron start line, heading for the Needles. The forecast 30kts of wind were yet to materialise and progress to the iconic landmark was slower than hoped, but then it was time to put in a gybe and head for the southernmost tip of the island at St Catherine's Point. By now the wind was up to forecast and Alex and Pixel Flyer were ploughing through the steep over falls at over 13 knots – 'it felt more like being in a submarine'. Changing sails and hardening up onto the wind, it was a hard slog to Bembridge before freeing off again through the forts and a fast reach back to Cowes, crossing the finish line after 6 hrs 20 mins 32 secs, setting a new World Record.

'A huge thanks to all the people who have helped get this far. All those who have joined in putting their picture on the boat as well as main sponsors English Braids, Waterfront Cars, DCI, Kannad and recently Sebago – we wouldn't be here without all your support'

You can see his track here

Alex is now preparing for his next challenge – more news of that to follow.

This is all part of training for Alex as he prepares to challenge the Solo Non-Stop Around the World 40' record next year in his crowd funded Class 40.

More information at www.alexalley.com on how to get involved and have your picture on the side of the boat

Related Articles

Cape 31 Med Circuit Porquerolles Race preview
16 teams from 12 nations going to paradise The Cape 31 Med Circuit heads into Round Two next week at the iconic Porquerolles Race, where 16 teams representing 12 nations will go head-to-head over four days of world-class one-design racing, with practice racing beginning on Wednesday, May 27. Posted today at 7:16 am
Phantom South East series at Frensham
Starting with a welcome bacon roll breakfast and a sunny open-air briefing The 2025 South East series kicked off at Frensham Pond with conditions a complete contrast to last year's icy F5 blasting. It was a relaxed start to the day to allow club racing to clear the water. Posted today at 6:06 am
Int'l Youth Match Racing Champs dates released
RPAYC announce the dates for the 2025 Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship RPAYC is pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship, with the 31st edition set to again be conducted on the beautiful waters of Pittwater, scheduled to occur 19 to 23 November 2025. Posted on 21 May
Dart 15 TT at Rutland
"Nil points" to the wind forecast which proved to be completely wrong on both days The second Dart 15 Summer TT of 2025 took place as part of the Cat Open at Rutland. Twelve Dart 15s took part alongside colleagues from the Catapult, Dart 18, A Class, F16, F18, Nacra 15, Nacra 20 and Spitfire Classes. Posted on 21 May
D-Zeros at Grafham
The weekend brought together three dynamic fleets for some fantastic racing The Grafham D-Zero Open, expanded to a two-day event this year, took place over the weekend in glorious conditions. Held alongside the Hadron H2 Inlands and RS600 Inlands, the weekend brought together three dynamic fleets for some fantastic racing. Posted on 21 May
DMS Formula Wing Europeans day 2
No winners in waiting game It took all day for the anemometer to capture an average of 8 knots, before competitors were sent to the water at 5 p.m. The entire fleet mobilized in minutes after a day of football, sunbathing and snacking, paddling their wings to a teasing wind line. Posted on 21 May
IMA Maxi Europeans Inshore Series Day 3
North Star & Proteus win today's races, while Bella Mente holds a solid lead overall It was an intense day on the water for the Maxi fleet in the penultimate act of the IMA Maxi European Championship, the last stage of the 2025 Tre Golfi Sailing Week. Posted on 21 May
Eighth edition of the Foiling Awards wraps up
Overall Forlanini Award goes to France's Erwan Jauffroy The prestigious accolades recognising the world's top foiling athletes, products, projects and events over the past 12 months were presented in Genova (Italy), based on online votes cast by the international foiling community. Posted on 21 May
Devon club sails into its 90th year
Babbacombe Corinthian SC was founded in 1935 in Torquay A Devon sailing club is celebrating a 90-year voyage from humble beginnings in an old fishermen's hut to a thoroughly modern new clubhouse with all mod cons. Posted on 21 May
Lark class Frank Carter trophy at Frensham
Held every year since 1967 Frensham Pond Sailing Club hosted their Lark Open on Sunday 18th May, sponsored by Craftinsure. The event has been held every year since 1967, racing for the Frank Carter trophy. Posted on 21 May