Round the Island Yacht Race

Down in Cowes early to see the start of the worlds biggest yacht race where 1500 yachts gathered in blustery conditions to race round the Isle of Wight. The strong winds caused the cancellation of classes for the smaller craft with the rest of the fleet storming towards the Needles and onwards for some tough sailing.
Several yachts were dismasted and one  took in water and sadly sank near the Needles. Fortunately all the safety procedures were in place and the crew were rescued by the lifeboat service. 
The fastest yacht took only 2 hours to finish with the majority taking 8 or more hours to circumnavigate the island.