First finishers in the 2018 Round the Island Race

The sole MOD70 foiling trimaran Concise Fling with Ned Collier Wakefield on the helm has finally crossed the finish line in Cowes at 15:14:09.

The elapsed time of 8:34:09 makes this one of the slowest line honours times recorded in the Island Sailing Club's annual 50 nm Round the Island Race in association with Cloudy Bay.

Their progress was hindered as they passed through the Forts when the wind shut off completely leaving them floundering and a 'traffic jam' building up behind.

The first monohull to finish was Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator with an elapsed time of 8:56:47.

Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator is the first monohull over the line - photo © George Mills Photography

Elsewhere the light, fitful winds led to many having to make the reluctant decision to retire from the race even before reaching the Needles. Even returning to Cowes from the Needles was a challenge in the light airs but at least they had the tide under them.

Those who successfully rounded the Needles before the tide turned, are making progress, albeit slow, and testing to the limit their light wind tactical racing skills.

Ben Fogle (44) Cloudy Bay Ambassador and adventurer who conquered Mount Everest earlier this year was put to the challenge once again today aboard Cloudy Bay (Farr Carroll Marine 60). In total contrast to his climbing experience Fogle spoke positively about the race earlier today: "After a fantastic sunrise our crew on Cloudy Bay were pleased to find some breeze and a beat to the Needles. We are now past Ventnor and in some light breeze waiting for the sea breeze to fill in. Looks like it's on its way and we're looking forward to some good sailing in the Solent."

Among those in classes like the Folkboat, who could be in the running for a decent result tonight if they keep up their momentum, is Graham Sutherland and David Franks on Strait Dealer. As well as Sutherland who is author of Winning Tides – Solent Tides, the boat is also blessed with the presence of having Ian 'Sid' Howlett on board. Howlett who is a top sailor is also famed for his position as coach for Olympic sailors Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy and the late Andrew 'Bart' Simpson.

To follow the race in detail, go to Race Coverage Live and the Race Tracker.

Records to beat:

• Monohull course record: 3h 43m 50s – supermaxi, ICAP Leopard (Mike Slade) set in 2013
  
• Multihull course record: 2h 22m 23s – MOD70, Team Concise 10 (Ned Collier Wakefield) set in 2017