Yachting enthusiasts are being invited to take part in this year’s Collins Stewart Round the Island Race.
Organised by the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club (MS&CC), the nautical challenge will start at Ramsey at 6am on Sunday 3rd May, from where participants will complete a circuit of the Island's coastal waters.
Twenty-eight yachts took part last year, with Prima 38 Dynamite-Tee, owned by Glynn Sheffield of Liverpool Yacht Club, winning the title for the second year running.
The winning yacht took less than nine hours to finish the race in 2008 but Jeremy Colman, a member of the organising committee, said that it was impossible to say how long the race may take this year.
‘Given a reasonable breeze we may be looking at about 12 hours or even quicker, although 30 hour races are not unknown in flat calm conditions,’ said Mr Colman.
‘Point of Ayre, about 45 minutes after the start, is a good vantage spot for spectators, as is Peel Breakwater. However, Ramsey Bay at six o’clock in the morning can be a spectacular sight just before the off.’
Commodore of the MS&CC David Edwards said ‘The race is quite a challenge! There are three strong tidal gates to get through so if you miss those you are stuck, or if there is not much wind you could find yourself going backwards.
‘The race is an institution that has been running for 54 years. I am grateful to sponsors Collins Stewart Wealth Management, to everyone that has helped and most of all to the competitors for keeping this grand race running into the Twenty-First Century.’
Head of Collins Stewart Wealth Management in the Isle of Man Dermot Hamill said ‘It is an exciting challenge for all yachting enthusiasts and a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of the Isle of Man. I hope we see a number of people enter this year; I’m certainly looking forward to it.’
The winners' award ceremony will be held on Monday 4th May at the MS&CC in Ramsey. The Race committee will award Portsmouth Yardstick handicaps (a handicap given to each individual boat) as required and determine class splits. IRC Yachts must present valid certificates and comply with ORC Category 3 or minimum SSS number of 20 to be eligible to race.
For further information, sailing instructions and entry forms, write to the race committee at the MS&CC, fax them on 01624 815113, email jcc@bctq.com or check the club website at www.msandcc.org. There is a ?15 entry free for all participants who book before April 27th, or ?20 after this date.
