Isle of Sheppey Race 2024

Isle of Sheppey race 2024 © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Isle of Sheppey race 2024 © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

The Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club (IOSSC) hosted the annual round the Isle of Sheppey race on the 1st September 2024. As is now the norm, those who arrived on Saturday are offered 'round the cans' racing to test there rigging in preparation for the big event.

This year the weather forecasts where varied on the lead up to the event, and depending one which one you chose probably dictated whether to turn up or not. Gale force winds predicted, then 6kts, then 17kts (champagne conditions for the island race) all from different weather apps and all for the same period. Despite the varied forecasts, 45 competitors entered the race, (up 10 boats from 2023). The Saturday was indeed challenging (1 weather app got it right!) and racing was abandoned.

Sunday however was perfect, 15 to 17kts from the ENE and sunshine! 45 entries made the epic voyage around the picturesque island of Sheppey, The fleet was split into 4 starts, Slow Monohulls, Medium Monohulls, Fast monohulls/slow Cats and Fast Catamaran Handicaps starting at 1000 and then every 30 minutes.

The start of the race was a very long hard beat to Warden point on port tack with plenty of waves to keep you on your toes, before the water started to flatten off and a fetch to Shellness which proved to be one of the fastest stretches of the race. First to Shellness was the Enterprise of PAUL YOUNG & MEGAN WARD (Midland SC) closely followed by the Solo of MICK GREENLAND (IOSSC). That said the medium handicap boats where fast approaching. Lee Marriott (IOSSC) in a Blaze had engaged the hyperdrive and took the lead boat position as they headed into the Swale.

Once in the Swale it was a Gybe onto starboard, for which many felt the effects on the arms and neck having looked in one direction for such a long time, and the race to the Kingsferry Bridge which make this race so unique. Marriott (Blaze 860) was increasing his lead over the Slow, medium and Fast handicap boats, but it was the Super Catamarans that caught him up just before Grovehurst, just 1 mile from the bridge. KEVIN DUTCH & DAVID BANNER (IOSSC) sailing the amazing foiling Nacra 20 blasted past the little Blaze to reach the bridge first. They were met by a team of energetic individuals who help all competitors under the bridge. This is the only time 'outside assistance is allowed'. You have to capsize your boat and walk it under the bridge before proceeding the final sprint to the finish through Queenborough and Sheerness Docks. Not far behind the Nacra were all 4 F18 Cats who, in themselves were having there own 'internal battle' to reach the bridge.

Isle of Sheppey race 2024 - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

The last few legs of the race between the bridge and the club saw the sea breeze kick in, adding a few more knots to the wind. Either that or our bodies were slowly giving up! The winding bends and now the established Ebb tide changing the dynamic of the race yet again. It was the Nacra 20 who took line honours in a fantastic time of 1hour 54minutes, just 2 minutes of the record set in 2010! The 4 F18s all crossing the line in formation, but it was ADAM PIGGOTT & ROBBY-JON GARCKA (WESTON SC) who crossed the line 2nd on the water, and took the win on handicap to be crowned IOSSC's Round the Island Race winners 2024.

LEE MARRIOTT in the Blaze crossed the line 6th on the water to be the first Monohull boat just ahead of the Dart 18 fleet.

Isle of Sheppey race 2024 - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

The race is certainly a tick in the box of life and is incredibly challenging, yet arguably one of the most rewarding races out there! This small club with a big personality knows how to host good events. Socials on Friday and Saturday where well attended in the welcoming and friendly club house. Food was served throughout the weekend, and of course, the bar was well stocked. IOSSC would like to thank SailRacer for providing trackers and all competitors and volunteers who made the journey and competed. It was a blast (literally!). Next years Island Race is scheduled for 06/07 September 2025. We all hope you can make it. Drone footage, pictures, videos and more can be found on our facebook group @IOS Sailing Club.

Overall Results: