The 44th Isle of Sheppey Round
the Island Race was held on Sunday 1st September in light north-easterly
winds and bright sunshine.
Seventy boats took part in the event which is open to
dinghies, catamarans and sailboards and is the longest distance dinghy
race in the UK. The challenging annual race, organised by Sheppey Yacht
Club, is some thirty to forty miles long depending on wind and tide.
First to reach the Kingsferry Bridge that links the island
to the mainland were Pip and Paula Parsons from Whitstable Yacht Club
sailing an Olympic class Tornado Sport catamaran. They maintained their
lead to cross the finishing line first, completing the circumnavigation
in the quickest time of the day of just three hours and fifty minutes
to take the Bartling Line Honours Cup.
It was an impressive performance, especially considering
the fact that they, along with the two other catamarans from Whitstable
had not only sailed round the island, but also from Whitstable to the
club before the race, and then back to Whitstable again after it!
The overall winner of the event on handicap for the Times
& Guardian Cup was Mike Lyons from Burghfield Sailing Club sailing
a Blaze class dinghy.
- James Bell, Race Organiser
|