Needles to St Cats in 35 minutes

James Boyd recounts his experience sailing on board Maiden II in the Round the Island Race

Around St Cat's

Sailing at a continuous 28-30 knots, it takes just 35 minutes (1025) for us to reach St Catherine's Point. We hoist the genniker on its furler and unwrap it and then drop the Solent. We continue out to sea, cracked off further and then gybe. This provides much entertainment on the forward trampoline as a group of us run round the genniker's continuous furling line at the same time as trying to maintain our balance on the tramp. Boat speed is down to the low 20s.

We pass Bembridge Ledge Buoy at 1107 and round No Man's Land fort just under 10 minutes later.

No Man's Land fort - and the party hasn't even started there...