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Bella (sponsored by the award-winning international Freight Forwarder Bellville Rodair) completed Round The Island in 7 hours 43 minutes (which is our record). Bella came 320^th overall out of 1459 entries and 25^th in our class (ISC Division 4A).

We cast off at 03.30 and by the time we started the sun was just establishing itself into a new day.

We were strong in the downwind section but the upwind section was more difficult given our current sail configuration. We utilised our cruising chute in the lighter winds to supplement the genoa (we have a larger genoa coming through with an agreed date to fit of July 11^th). Whilst we were prepared to launch the spinnaker, the strong winds in that sector of the course meant that we did not use it. At Bembridge Buoy we went very deep into the Solent approaches in order to reduce tacking time and congestion from other boats; this certainly paid off. 

The crew were a mixture of new and moderately experienced crew who fared well and we were back on the pontoon for a late lunch and celebratory drinks by early afternoon.

Thanks to everyone who took part and to our sponsors Bellville Rodair.