SAILING
bathing platform and dangles her legs in
the sea.
A nearby Folkboat is now being towed,
and all around us yachts are dropping sail
and starting the engine. There’s no way
we’ll make the fi nish by 2230. It’s been a
great sail, but it’s time to call it a day. We
turn on the engine, unfold the cockpit
table and tuck into a fantastic lunch.
As we gently spiral forwards over the
waves, we overtake yachts still racing. A
giant Toblerone appears on the cockpit
table, followed by a huge slab of delicious
apple cake, which we wash down with a
cup of tea.
The last leg
We’re on the last stretch now – heading
towards the Solent Forts, where people
gather with binoculars and cameras.
Mike points out the notorious Ryde
Sands. “We usually see at least three or
four yachts aground there,” he says,
though there are none today. Even the
Wightlink ferry ran aground once during a
race. “He got so buried amongst all the
yachts he just couldn’t get of it. He didn’t
have any choice, poor chap!”
We motor towards Osborne Bay and past
Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home to
the fi nish. It’s been a very civilised end to a
race. Normally, the last leg is a beat, Dennis
tells me, with lots of action and exhausted
crews, but we’ve spent it swapping stories.
Twelve hours after we left East Cowes
marina, we motor into the berth. We’re
one of almost 1.000 boats to have retired,
but that doesn’t matter. I couldn’t have
sailed with a nicer family, nor had a more
enjoyable day.
As yachting guru Matt Sheehan said at
the race briefi ng: “There’s nothing like it in
the world.” I have to agree. Where else
can you race Clipper yachts, Folkboats
and Vendée Globe competitors, while still
fi nding time for tea and cake? Now, that’s
my kind of race...
It was a hot weekend, but as all British
sailors know, the weather is
unpredictable, so I packed full oilskins
as well as a lightweight jacket.
Gill’s Hydrophobe Down Jacket is
extremely compact and fi tted nicely in
my (already-fi t-to-burst) drybag. Soft
and comfortable, it proved handy on
the water when the wind got up, and
onshore in the evening when the sun
went down.
The water-repellent fi nish was more
than adequate for light spray, and it
kept me perfectly warm without letting
me overheat. An issue I’ve found in the
past with down jackets is the bunching
up of the fi lling over time. However, Gill
states the jacket is constructed in such
a way as to prevent ‘down migration’,
and therefore continue to trap warmth.
■ Men’s S-XXL and for women size
8-16, £135. http://www.gillmarine.comThe OS2 Offshore Women’s oilskins
didn’t get quite so much use, given the
heat, but I tested them nonetheless.
The trousers fi t nicely, with adjustable
braces, articulated knees and a
drop-seat, which as women will know,
is super-handy for trips to the heads. I
wore these for most of the day while
taking the jacket on and off according
to the wind strength.
Gill describes the jacket as a ‘relaxed
fi t’. However, once zipped up, there
wasn’t a lot of stretch at the hips (where
the jacket ends) for bending over
winches or leaping about the deck.
Over the years I’ve noticed women’s
jacket hems creeping higher, but I still
prefer one the old-fashioned ‘over-the-
bum’ style.
That said, it was otherwise a
comfortable and soft fi t and I like the
smart white and blue colours.
There’s not much room in the small
fl eece-lined pockets. However, the
trousers have
handwarmer
pockets and a
deep thigh pocket,
as well as having a
D-ring attachment
point for a kill cord
or marine tools.
■ OS2 Offshore
Trousers (black
only): sizes 8-18,
£225. Jacket:
sizes 8-18: £285.Race drama – a spinnaker snags
on a special mark during the 2019
Round the Island RaceGill gear tested
Flotespace
If you’re looking for a boat for the night- whether for work, a weekend away or
a holiday – Flotespace is an online
marketplace, which connects boat
lovers with boat owners.
Simply enter your dates and where
you wish to stay, and see what yachts or
motorboats are available for hire.
http://www.fl otespace.com