Under 25s going for glory in Round the Island Race

Team Impact Racing leading their fleet © Island Sailing Club

Five enthusiastic sailors aged between 17 and 21, who make up Team Impact Racing, will be among the 1400+ boats competing in one of Britain's largest participation sporting events of 2018, the Round the Island Race in association with Cloudy Bay on Saturday 7 July.

The young crew have known each other for years having grown up together at Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole although the team was only started in 2015. In 2016 they became J/24 Youth and Westerly National Champions as well as coming third in the U25 Europeans.

Thanks to their success in that first year, a generous local sailor decided to help the team in 2017 by rewarding them with a new boat, opening the door to even better rankings and results.

Skipper, George Kennedy, is only 17 years old making him one of the youngest skippers to take on the world-famous Round the Island Race. Although young, George is no stranger to the race, commenting: "This will be my fifth race and second with this boat. It is a great race that is a tactical challenge. It is really fun and a race that I enjoy every year which is why I keep coming back."

Team Impact Racing - photo © Island Sailing Club

Racing in a class of boat called a J24, the team – who came second in 2017 – aim to win their class this year.

The famous 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight, now in its 87th year, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is an all-encompassing event. The race's unique 'Race for All' ethos caters for and embraces first timers, families, amateurs and professionals competing at the highest level. There is a long standing charity connection with the race through the Official Race Charity the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, where over £266,000 has been raised to date.

www.roundtheisland.org.uk