Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this update on the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Ed
With just a few weeks to go before this year’s JPMAM Round the Island Race three forums have been held to enable competitors new to the race or those who might have had a query or who are seeking further information to learn more of ‘Britain’s Favourite Race’.
Major Cyril Windeler, a member of the Island Sailing Club, first suggested a Round-The–Island yacht race in 1930. On 11th July 1931 there were 25 starters in the inaugural event.
Fishing boat first across the line
First across the line in 1931 was a fishing boat ‘Dolly Vardon’. It was ‘Merry Conceit’, a five ton cutter, which was named the winning vessel on handicap, thereby winning the Gold Roman Bowl for the first time.
By tradition the race is run westerly or anti-clockwise. As the start is from the RYS (Royal Yacht Squadron) line and the finish on an ISC (Island Sailing Club) line it is not a complete circumnavigation of Vectis. In fact it is about 200 metres shy of it.
From 25 to 1908 starters
In 1989 when the ISC celebrated its centenary there was a record entry of 1813 boats. Come 2011 a new mark of 1908 entries was accomplished. Whether the magic figure of 2000 will ever be achieved is anyone’s guess.
By 20th April 2013 entries were nudging towards 1000. Standard entries close at midnight on 11th May, although late entries are accepted (for an increased fee) for another fortnight.
This year’s race will be held on Saturday 1st June, with the first of the eleven starts at 5am, and at ten minute intervals. There are 80+ trophies to be competed for and bottles of Old Pulteney for most of the class winners.
Major logistical exercise
Race organisation is a major logistical exercise as the fleet passes through a very busy shipping lane. Because ferry traffic is disrupted, eleven starts are the maximum number that can be accommodated. A team of race officials log all finishers manually. Therefore, it is imperative that all racing vessels display their sail number in a prominent and visible position.
Sponsorship came to the event relatively recently. Current title sponsor J.P. Morgan Asset Management first came on board in 2005 and are reviewing their position beyond the 2014 race.
Read the sailing instructions BEFORE the race
This year the ISC held three forums at Portsmouth Harbour YC, Parkstone YC and at the ISC in Cowes aimed at giving newcomers to the event vital information on procedures, rules, safety and communication. Uppermost was the necessity to read the sailing instructions BEFORE the race, very often these are ignored by competitors.
Leading the forum at the ISC was the club’s Commodore Rod Nicholls with Dave Atkinson and Sonia Mayes supplying further very useful information.
All yachts should carry the required safety equipment and carry at least one mobile phone on board. Navigation lights should be switched on for the early (in darkness) start and be switched on again if the boats return is late in the evening.
It should be borne in mind that should a VHF radio be switched on accidentally not only will the signal be blocking any emergency signal, but intimate utterings can be heard by one and all!
In general competitors should avoid contact with other yachts, and allow adequate room- particularly in crowded situations- and maintain a good look-out at all times.
Image: © Paul Wyeth
