Round the Isle Highlanders team formed for the 2023 Round the Island Race
by Lisa Pattenden 14 Jun 2023 07:18 BST
1 July 2023
Round the Isle Highlanders team make their way to the 2023 Round the Island Race © Gregor Fisher
Introducing the "Round the Isle Highlanders", a skilled and determined team of sailors from the Scottish Highlands ready to take on the challenge of the Round the Island Race 2023 #RaceForAll.
This united team of seasoned sailors will bring their collective experience and shared love for the sea to this renowned event, taking place on July 1, 2023, around the picturesque Isle of Wight.
The Round the Isle Highlanders comprise of a crew of eight members, with John Prentice as the skipper. His fellow team members include alternate skippers Jim Prentice, Gregor Fisher, Diarmid Hogan, and crew members Lisa Pattenden, Agata Sliwinska, Iain Prentice, and Robbie Prentice. All members bring a diverse range of sailing experiences, from local Scottish yacht racing to international journeys.
This team, formerly competing against each other in the Moray Yacht Axis race series in Scotland, has decided to unite their skills and experience to create a formidable force in the Round the Island Race 2023. The team's primary goal is to represent the Scottish Highlands while striving to be one of the fastest boats in its class on the Fairview Sailing yacht, a Beneteau Oceanis 37' named Avant Garde.
Team mates have said, "This is a coming together of adversaries to represent Highlands!" This powerful sentiment reflects the spirit of camaraderie and shared ambition within the team, emphasizing their dedication and determination to perform at their best in the race.
John Prentice, the team's skipper, reminisces about his lifelong love for sailing, beginning on a family holiday in 1973. "I first fell in love with boats and the sea on a holiday in Tarbert Loch Fyne. We then bought a wooden GP14 in 1974. As we go round, I will be thinking of Jeremy Rogers and his success in this and other events."
John's sons, Robbie and Iain Prentice, are equally excited about the race. "I'm excited to be part of a new crew and experience a new corner of the map," says Robbie, while Iain expresses his excitement to compete in one of the UK's largest sailing events.
The team seeks key sponsors and partners to join them in this journey. Those interested in supporting this dynamic team in the Round the Island Race 2023 should contact Lisa Pattenden, the crew's PM, for further inquiries at .
The Round the Isle Highlanders are more than ready to make their mark in the 2023 Round the Island Race. With their shared love for sailing, experience, and determination, the team aims to not only represent the Scottish Highlands but also showcase the spirit of unity in the face of exciting challenges.