An experience we’ll never forget
Sailors are rarely happy if they’re unable to finish a race, though last year’s Round the Island was an exception for Thomas Wilson and his crew.
Sailors are rarely happy if they’re unable to finish a race, though last year’s Round the Island was an exception for Thomas Wilson and his crew.
Battered by challenging conditions, Thomas’s beloved new boat, Zero II, had just reached Hurst Castle before they had to turn back. With a main with only one reef, it was impossible to navigate the full course, so they returned to Cowes, sailing against the oncoming fleet. What could have felt like a major disappointment turned out to be quite the opposite.
“I only bought the boat a month beforehand and I was really looking forward to sailing her around the Island,” said Thomas. “She’s a bullet and with the race being so intriguing and competitive, I hoped we would do really well on the day. But the weather beat us and we had to turn around. You’d think everyone would have been disappointed but it was a phenomenal ride back to Cowes.”
“To sail against the fleet at speeds of up to 18 knots just on mainsail is an experience my crew will never forget! We stepped off the yacht exhilarated and really happy, and it was still a great experience for us all.”
Last year’s event has given Thomas renewed impetus ahead of this year’s race, when he will be joined by another crew to try again.
“For me, Round the Island is probably the most iconic race around,” added Thomas. “I love how it’s organised and how participation ranges between different boats and crews. It’s a truly exceptional site, a really interesting course, and I can’t wait to take part again. We’re spending all weekend on the Island this year and really looking forward to it.”
“For me, Round the Island is probably the most iconic race around”
Thomas Wilson
