Learnings from the Round the Island Race 2024

The Round the Island Race in 2024 had the worst weather for many years. Certainly the 9 I have entered either in a Sunsail 40 foot charter boat or Starstreak, my Contessa 32. The Contessa 32’s are considered seaworthy boats by most, if liable to deliver a soaking. The winds were gusting up to 40 knots, with rolling waves round The Needles. The 26 Contessa 32 teams recorded in the results indicated 5 made it round, 9 retired, 9 did not compete and 3 did not declare they had finished. We retired at Newtown Creek. On board were 3 other HOEOCA members, Lindsey Allen, Ian Hope and Martin Hemming along with Mike, an old college friend.

Some reflections.

1 Owners and boatbuilders/engineers from 1981 had ensured the craft was seaworthy in poor conditions. The requirement for owning a boat. There were no mechanical failures.

2 All on board knew bad weather was on the cards, just not exactly how bad. All remained focused on the challenge until we returned safely. They had sailed in windy conditions before. The weather forecast had been closely followed for around a week. Including just prior to departure.

3 Timings did not easily allow time to sit together and carefully plan on the Friday. This might have concluded better navigation, preparation and sail choice.

4 Everything that could be set up the day before should be completed. This was mainly done, but a check on correct placement of lines out sailing would have been useful.

5 Plan for food and drink for a long day. Food should be easy to access and easy to link to the specific team member. Checking all on board refuel on a regular basis is important.

6 All on board need to dress at the start to resist cold, wind, rain and waves. We could have done better on this, including myself. Adequate offshore gear is required. Clipping on may be required. All lifejackets should have been serviced within the year. Ours were. All need to carry a towel and a set of dry clothes.

7 A crew list with next of kin contacts is needed aboard and ashore. They were.

8 Decisions not to compete or retire are never easy. The views of all signed up or aboard need to be heard. Hopefully a consensus can quickly be achieved.

9 The sail set on Starstreak will be reviewed. Would a smaller genoa have helped? We had a number 2 up. Can we set up to slide one genoa behind another to assist sail changes?

10 You will not improve your ability to sail in more challenging conditions while sat at home watching the football (EUROs) on TV!