Commodore Andy Hobson is planning to take out the Sigma 38 Flying Formula again to take part in the historic race around the Isle of Wight, which this year falls on Saturday 11 July. It is possible that at least one other member's boat will be taking part. The plan is to rehearse on the Friday, race on the Saturday and after spending overnight in Cowes to return to Southampton on Sunday. Please express your interest on the club What's App group or email secretary@lawsocyc.org.uk
Round the Island Race 2025
The LSYC crew for RTIR 2025 was Andy Hobson, Richard Ham, Heidi Thompson, William Pinnock, Jonathan Harvey, Chantal Thompson, Kate Bowden and Sophie Larroque.
We finished 43/75 in Class ISC4 and 180/383 in Class ISC overall. We got a good start but lost some time sailing between St Cats and Bembridge, owing to problems with the mainsail. We were very conservative in rounding the Needles but probably gained some ground by going inshore, and thus out of the tide, from Ryde Sands to Norris Buoy. We were perhaps a little lucky to finish just ahead of the wind hole that appeared off Cowes in heavy rain just after we finished. Some skippers told me that this cost them 90 minutes, as they were pushed backwards in the strong tide.
Round the Island Race 2024
The LSYC entered the 2024 RTI after a three year pause, chartering the Sigma 38 Flying Formula from Southampton University skippered by Commodore Andy Hobson. The race was very windy and they were 6th in their division of 28 boats. Many boats didn't finish, not having solicitors' staying power. Here is how Practical Boat Owner described the race>
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which marks its 200th year, was the official race charity and seven RNLI lifeboat stations from Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Mudeford, Lymington, Portsmouth, Yarmouth and Selsey were involved in providing safety cover, along with independent lifeboat volunteers.
This year the “race for all” attracted 939 entries, although several classes were cancelled prior to the start due to the expected strong winds – gusting up to 40mph – and rough sea state.
Many also abandoned the race on the day due to the extreme weather – with 418 yachts retiring. A total of 154 completed the 50-mile course.
The hardy sailors who made it to the starting line at Cowes were praised by the Island Sailing Club (ISC) organisers and race team, who said: “A huge congratulations to all competitors for managing the tough conditions.”
Round the Island Race 2021
RTI - South of Wight - 2021
Eight club members lead by Commodore Nick Lightbody chartered Brendan McMahon's First 40.7 Fandango with semi-retired Pro yachtsman Tony Wetherell as our coach and the owner on board keeping an eye on his boat.
Jaimie Whiteley (Gamlins, North Wales) helmed with Andrew Keltie (ex Baker McKenzie) on mainsheet, Adrian Stables (Sole Practitioner, Langport), Gerrit Frerk (Digital Startup, London), Sue Dennahy (Lexis Nexis, London) handling the cockpit and Phil Downie (Yorkshire) & club Treasurer Finbarr Leahy (MOD) handling the sharp end. Sadly Elizabeth Sullivan (Ineos, Portsmouth) had to miss the race with a school bubble son self isolating at home.
Jaimie - Concentration - RTI - South of Wight - 2021
Andrew - Concentration - RTI - South of Wight - 2021
The 0630 hrs start was in very light airs with an ebbing tide taking us westwards from the Royal Yacht Squadron starting line. Gradually the breeze filled in from the south then the south west as forecast.
RTI - South of Wight - 2021
The first boat to round the Needles Light was the big CAY70 Trimaran Power Play at 0812. We sailed well to round the Needles at 0851 with the bulk of the 1200 boat fleet behind us and about 60 boats ahead.
The fleet behind us - RTI - South of Wight - 2021
A long spinnaker reach and a fetch in light winds against a foul tide took us past St Catherine's Light at 1112 where the 60 footer Venemous was firmly aground on Jeremy's Rock a couple of hundred yards off the shore, followed by a broad reach past Ventor and across Sandown Bay before rounding Bembridge Ledge at 1305.
Venemous on Jeremy's Rock - RTI - South of Wight - 2021
The final part of the course past Seaview, Ryde, Fishbourne and Osborne House to the finish at Cowes was a speed testing reach & fetch against a foul tide as some gambled and lost going a little too close to Ryde Sands whilst other gambled and won.
Passing Ryde - RTI - Solent - 2021
Final stretch - RTI - Solent - 2021
The race was won on handicap for the second year in a row by ex Olympian Jo Richards crewed by ex LSYC member David Rickard sailing the 18 foot Eeyore, the smallest boat in the fleet.
David Rickard sailing with Jo Richards - RTI - First leg - 2021
We finished just before 1500 having had an excellent sail and celebrated with fish & chips and prosecco.
