Isle of Sheppey Race 2024: Unforgettable Races and Events on the Isle of Sheppey

Isle of Sheppey Race 2024

31 August – 1 September 2024

The Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club (IOSSC) recently hosted its annual round-the-island race on September 1, 2024. Participants who arrived on Saturday had the opportunity for ’round the cans’ racing to prepare their rigging before the main event.

Leading up to the race, weather forecasts varied significantly, creating uncertainty among competitors. Reports ranged from predictions of gale force winds to much milder conditions. Despite these mixed forecasts, a total of 45 competitors entered the race, marking an increase of 10 boats from the previous year. Saturday brought challenging conditions, leading to the cancellation of racing, as only one weather app proved accurate.

Fortunately, Sunday greeted sailors with ideal conditions of 15 to 17 knots from the ENE and plenty of sunshine. The fleet of 45 entries embarked on the picturesque voyage around Sheppey Island, starting in four separate groups: Slow Monohulls, Medium Monohulls, Fast Monohulls/Slow Cats, and Fast Catamaran Handicaps, each starting at 10:00, with subsequent starts every 30 minutes.

The race commenced with a long, hard beat to Warden Point on a port tack, navigating through waves before reaching the flatter waters and a fast fetch to Shellness. The first boat to reach Shellness was the Enterprise crewed by Paul Young and Megan Ward, closely followed by Mick Greenland in his Solo. Lee Marriott in a Blaze quickly took the lead position as they approached the Swale.

Once in the Swale, competitors had to gybe onto starboard, which many found physically demanding after keeping their gazes fixed in one direction for such a long duration. The journey towards the Kingsferry Bridge is what makes this race unique. Marriott increased his lead over the other Monohulls, but was soon overtaken by the impressive Super Catamarans just before Grovehurst, one mile out from the bridge. Kevin Dutch and David Banner in their foiling Nacra 20 surged ahead to reach the bridge first, where they were assisted by energetic volunteers, marking the one instance where outside help is permitted. Competitors had to capsize their boats to walk them under the bridge before resuming the final leg of the race through Queenborough and Sheerness Docks.

As competitors raced from the bridge back to the club, the sea breeze picked up, which either boosted the wind speed or perhaps indicated that the competitors were reaching their limits. The final legs proved challenging with the changing tide and winding course. The Nacra 20 secured line honors with an impressive time of 1 hour and 54 minutes, just 2 minutes shy of the record set in 2010. The four F18 Cats crossed the finish line in formation, with Adam Piggott and Robby-Jon Garcka claiming second place on the water and winning in the handicap category, earning the title of IOSSC Round the Island Race winners for 2024.

Lee Marriott, sailing the Blaze, crossed the line sixth on the water, making him the first Monohull, just ahead of the Dart 18 fleet.

This race is certainly a memorable experience and one of the most rewarding challenges in sailing. The small yet vibrant IOSSC excelled in hosting the event, with social gatherings on Friday and Saturday attracting many attendees. The clubhouse provided welcoming food and drink services throughout the weekend. The club expresses gratitude to SailRacer for supplying trackers and appreciates all competitors and volunteers for their efforts. The next Island Race is confirmed for September 6-7, 2025, and the club hopes to see everyone there. For highlights including drone footage, photographs, and videos, you can check out their Facebook group @IOS Sailing Club.

Overall Results: