Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this update on these Island sailors. Ed
Isle of Wight sailors have taken part in The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s RORC Caribbean 600 race held in the waters off Antigua.
Now in its sixth year, this race attracted sailors from around the world, representing 12 different countries. Starting and finishing in Antigua, but with 11 islands to navigate, it is a tough race for both amateur and professional sailors taking part in a record-breaking fleet of 60 boats.
The closest finish in history of the race
Line Honours went to Cowes based professional navigator, Ian ‘Soapy’ Moore who was part of the 22-strong world-class crew racing the American-owned 72-foot Judel/Vrolijk designed mini maxi, ‘Bella Mente’. This boat was in Cowes last year for the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Big Boat Series.
At the end of the Caribbean 600 it was the closest finish in history of the race, with ‘Rambler 90’ and ‘Shockwave’ in hot pursuit.
Ian’s sailing career includes being navigator in the Volvo Ocean Race and as navigator and performance manager for an America’s Cup Campaign.
Other Island sailors
Several other Island sailors also raced in the regatta, known as the ‘Caribbean Fastnet’ being raced over a similar distance to the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Cowes-resident Andy Middleton achieved a third place in the highly competitive IRC Three class with Global Yacht Racing’s First 47.7 ‘EH01’. ‘Incisor’ a Corby 45, owned by Ryde’s Derek Saunders of Windward Sailing also competed. Also competing was a crew from Girls 4 Sail on a First 40.7 ‘Hot Stuff’ and Rich Ganly’s Ocean 60, ‘Ocean Venturer’.
Image: © Tim Wright
