Start Line Thunder

The forecast heavy rain duly arrived overnight giving appaling conditions for the start of the Artemis challenge race around the island.

The competitors left at 10AM during a thunderstorm and minimal visibility. The crews were made up of seasoned racers and some celebrities some of whom probably wished they had stayed at home.

The winning yacht crossed the line taking around five hours to circumnavigate the Island in what must have been pretty horrendous conditions.

I thought an Impressionistic view would give some idea of the rain and visibility at the start of the race.

Despite the weather during the evening the magnificent Red Arrows put on their low level show in near darkness.