This article appeared in the County Border News on 3 July 2003.
Oxted
Offshore’s winning crew in the Round the Island Race (photo Henry Moore)
This past week end two boats from the Oxted Offshore sailing club joined 1,600 other boats in an annual 50 mile race around the Isle of Wight. The two boats, the sailing yachts Joy, a Bavaria 42 owned by Henry Moore a member of the club, and Galesma, a Bavaria 38 chartered by the club and skippered by the club’s Commodore, Lawrence Nicholls, competed in a race within the overall race. After very nearly 10 hours of racing the finish was incredibly close with Joy crossing the finish line just 31 seconds ahead of Galesma, although Galesma won on handicap by 12 minutes.
The day started with concerns that there would not be enough wind to complete the course, but these proved unfounded with a stiff breeze on the southern side of the island helping the boats beat to windward on this leg. Both the Oxted boats chose the northern end of the start line and crossed the start line almost side by side. However by the time the boats had traveled the 13 miles to the Needles lighthouse Joy was ahead of Galesma by some 5 minutes. However by No Mans Land Fort in the eastern Solent, 42 miles into the race, Galesma had regained the lead. The last 8 miles were neck and neck as each of the crews tried various tactics in an attempt to go over the finish line first. In the end Joy edged over the line only seconds ahead of Galesma. However on adjusted time the smaller boat, Galesma, was the victor.
In the race overall the first boat over the line was French trimaran "Eure et Loir-Idec", who completed the race in 4 hours 5 mins. However, the overall winner on adjusted time for the second year running was a Contessa 26, Rosina of Beaulieu.
Oxted Offshore has been in existence for almost two years as a forum for people in the Oxted area to get together to discuss all aspects of sailing. This is the second year that the club has entered boats in the Round the Island Race. Generally the club meets on the second Thursday of each month. Those with some experience in offshore sailing are encouraged to try one of our informal meetings. They should contact Lawrence Nicholls on 01883 716282 or e-mail at l_nicholls@msn.com.
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