The time is 0630 and the two multihull classes have just started the Round the Island Race for 2003.

 The time is 0630 and the two multihull classes have just started the Round the Island Race for 2003. The most notable of these include Francis Joyon’s Eure et Loir-Idec, last year’s record holder, Shockwave , Paradox and Orion, which form the Grand Prix divison.

These boats will be hotly pursued by the Challenge Business 72-footers, and in contrast, the modern and original Old Gaffer classes, some of whose names will be familiar, such as Kelpie and Black Rose.

The wind is forecast south-westerly 4-5, veering and decreasing in the afternoon to westerly 3-4, and perhaps equally important to many competitors, the sun will be shining!

Keep posted for more detailed news as events unfold – we’re off the Needles to catch some of the most exciting racing as the fleets converge around the famous landmark.