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Sail the Wight 2010
With the Westerly Owners Association in association with East Cowes Sailing Club At sunrise on Saturday 5 June 2010, when most were still sleeping, 53 yachts and their crews were getting their boats and crews ready for the 6th annual Sail the Wight in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The first warning signal was at 0550hrs at the East Cowes Sailing Club line which saw the 3 larger boats vying for line position to start this event. They were followed by the other large cruiser class from the club and the Westerly Owners Association who were racing around the Island. After these came the boats that wished to cruise around and finally the boats less than 20ft that competed on an inshore race.. The whole event started in very light airs with a run down to the needles under spinnaker which made for a very colourful start for any early birds who were there to witness the start. Unfortunately the weather did play its part in this year’s event with the vast majority of the fleet finding themselves becalmed as they rounded the needles for Freshwater Bay. The winds did improve slightly allowing boats to start moving again and heading off towards Bembridge Ledge and then round into the Solent for the run home. These winds were not to last and eventually a shortened course was announced to finish at Princessa Shoal buoy. This shortening of the course still only saw a few boats manage to complete the course by battling valiantly on and showing the true grit and determination of the yachting fraternity. As the boats eventually made their way back to Cowes, still getting themselves round the whole course, they had the bonus of the Social evening to look forward to. This was held at East Cowes Sailing Club with the music provided by The Blue Byrds, winners of this year’s battle of the bands, and Baron Bratwurst und die Berliner Blitzkrieg Band. A full bar provided by the Victoria Tavern and BBQ provided by the Vectis Rotary Club. This social evening is proving ever more popular after the fund raising Sail the Wight and attracted approximately 250 people. Sail the Wight was started in 2005 with only 2 boats taking part and grows each year in popularity which is evidenced by the growing number in the fleet. The amount raised for the Hospice each year also continues to grow and on the evening we were able to announce that £4500 had been pledged with still a lot of boats to declare their pledges. It is estimated that once these are in that the total raised this yea will exceed £6000. A big thank you goes out to all those who entered the event, provided the assistance in the setting up and the social function afterwards. We look forward to seeing you all again next year on 4 Jun and in 2012 on 2 Jun. 2012 is our Clubs 100th anniversary and we would like to see that number of boats entering to see our anniversary in style and raise even more much needed funds for the Hospice. The prize winners at this year’s event are: Wight Cup (winner ECSC race): Minx 2,
Jonathan Gardiner Click here for the full results listing Click here to read the Commodore of East Cowes Sailing Club, Paul Walker's address to all those involved
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