Solo round the island

Solo Offshore Racing Club's race due to take place this Saturday

37 Entries are in for this Saturday's 2011 Solo Round the Isle of Wight – RIOW.

All the regulars are ready and a few new boats up for the challenge notably Gary Fry on Mojito, a Dufour 365GL and Kevin McBride with Bush Baby, a SCOD. For Tom Webb, aged nearly 18, sailing Danera, a Beneteau 211, he will be assured a whole lot more fun than A level revision.

Once again there will be a separate start for three Minis which with large sail area to weight ratio’s may surprise in the light conditions currently forecast.

After the first start at 0930, yachts will carry the ebb to the Needles before running east to the St Catharine’s anticlockwise round the island.

If the winds do turn out light there is the option to finish at Bembridge otherwise plugging the tide back into the Solent could make for a very long day…..or two!

Some yachts entered are heavy, others light, some are fast and some not so but with the RIOW on a light wind forecast it is there to win by anyone and with the excellent mix of boats and skippers a worthy win it will be.

The sixth RIOW winner will join Steve Thomas on Truant - HOD 35 last year’s winner, and Peter Newlands 40.7, Noj White X37, Peter Olden J/92S, Philip Meakin's Sigma 38 as previous winners of the 'Anticipation Cup'.