JP Morgan Asset Management Round Island Race – 19 days and counting

by Peta Stuart-Hunt on 14 Jun 2016 What is it about this particular race that touches the spot in thousands of sailors' hearts and continues to attract such huge interest around the world, including this year from a larger than usual entry of first timers and families? Everyone you ask has a different response as the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race means so many different things to so many different people.

The Race welcomes back Ian Bowker and friends on High Hopes, one of the regular Dubois half tonners, unmodified with original mast, keel and rudder. They have plenty of experience in this event, having completed four consecutive races up to 2014 with a regular crew.

Ian loves the Race, explaining:

'Our best RTI result, in an increasingly competitive IRC Class 3C filled with quarter tonners, was fifth in class and 98th overall in the windy 2011 race, where we held a spinnaker from the Needles to Bembridge managing 15 knots down a wave off Freshwater.

'We enjoy the variety, challenge and beauty of the Solent and the Island, as well as the atmosphere and spectacle created by the number of boats in the RTI. We're hoping that despite our age, both crew and boat have many years left in them!'

Sadly, High Hopes didn't end up competing last year as Ian suffered heart failure the day before the Race but, with superb treatment, a fantastic network of support, and huge determination, he is back for the 2016 Race with this message:

'While other competitors may wait until the end of the race to find out how they have done, I consider I will have won if and when we cross the starting line. It will be a privilege to just take part, and a culmination of all the work from the many people involved in my recovery.'