Following the yesterday’s challenging, lively as well as memorable day of competing, the post-J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race atmosphere in the sunny town of Cowes today is mainly one of relief and great pleasure. Organised and run by the Island Sailing Club, the 81st Round the Island Race, the biggest yacht race in the world, was attended by 1,647 yachts across 25 classes.
Roger Thompson, J.P. Morgan Asset Management (left) with the winning crew of ‘Manroland Sheetfed’ and Tony Langley holding the Gold Roman Bowl, presented by Dame Ellen MacArthur at today’s prizegiving at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. Photo: Patrick Eden
Of these, 1,198 crossed the finish line yesterday 30 June within the 10pm deadline; 247 retired, giving a 73% finish rate which is precisely the same percentage as in 2011 when the 80th Anniversary Race attracted a record entry of 1,908 yachts and welcomed home 1,345 finishers.
At today’s exceptionally well-attended Prizegiving, hosted by the Island Sailing Club, the upbeat audience was welcomed by the Club’s Commodore Rod Nicholls who made special mention of the Coastguard and inshore lifeboat services to a heartfelt round of applause. An impressive array of gold and silverware was handed out by Roger Thompson, COO of J.P Morgan Asset Management and presented to the prize winners by the guest of honour, Dame Ellen MacArthur, attending in her capacity as Patron of the Official Charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The Prizegiving was MC’d by the ISC’s Sailing Secretary, Chris Thomas.
The winner of the prestigious Gold Roman Bowl for first boat overall on IRC handicap was Tony Langley’s TP52 sailing yacht Manroland Sheetfed. Competing in IRC 0, Manroland Sheetfed (aka Weapon of Choice) was the second monohull to complete the course, finishing in 4hrs, 42mins and 12secs to win on corrected time by just 3 minutes. As the first monohull to finish, the Observer Trophy went to Mike Slade and charter yacht ICAP Leopard whilst the Silver Roman Bowl was won by last year’s Gold Roman Bowl winner, Jo Hutchinson, on Sundowner.
OBSERVER TROPHY & JPMAM TROPHY – First Monohull to finish – GBR1R ICAP LEOPARD MIKE SLADE
GOLD ROMAN BOWL & JPMAM SALVER – First Overall IRC – GBR5252L MANROLAND SHEETFED Tony Langley
SILVER ROMAN BOWL & JPMAM SALVER – Second Overall IRC – CO1228 SUNDOWNER Jo Hutchinson
Next year’s Race is on Saturday 1st June and rumour has it that it’s another one of those very early starts!
