It was a breezy start to this year’s Round the Island Race with 1,100 boats setting off from the Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes this morning and heading west to the Needles. The course then continues around the Isle of Wight passing St Catherine’s Point, Culver Down, Bembridge, Ryde and finishes back in Cowes.

The first boat to cross the finish ine was 'Tschuss 2', a Volvo 70, which completed the race in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 18 seconds.

Christian Zugel, owner and skipper of ‘Tschuss 2’ said: “We are delighted with our race performance today and securing line honours is fantastic – what better way to start a new programme on our new boat! Great sailing, great competition and a fantastic welcome from the Island Sailing Club.”

'Tschuss 2' has been training for the last ten days on the Solent and a practice race around the Isle of Wight but they did it clockwise – like the original America’s Cup route in 1851.

The tactician onboard, Neal McDonald said: “I’ve competed in the race a number of times and can say it was perfect conditions for ‘Tschuss 2’ today. It’s such an iconic race in a wonderful setting.”

The Island Sailing Club are partnering with the Cowes Yacht Haven again to stage a Race Village which is open to competitors, supporters and visitors to Cowes. The Race Partner stands have been entertaining the crowds with fun games and lots of giveaways and the live bands will be playing for all to enjoy this evening.

Boats continue to cross the Finish Line and it’s likely that the last boats will be completing the course at around 20.00 tonight. The prizegiving will be held at noon on Sunday 2nd July at the Island Sailing Club.