The Dutch VX40 Holmatro has taken line honours in the 2006 JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.

This new state-of-the-art design was making its first appearance in the event and a close tussle ensued between the evenly rated boats. Basilica, with guest crew Dee Caffari on board, held the lead in the initial stages but the order changed constantly over the 50 mile course round the Isle of Wight.

The breeze was light throughout and provided a real challenge as the three leading VX40s struggled past Ryde Pier in the closing stages with an adverse tide. Tommy Hilfiger (Randy Smyth) and Team Motorola (Conrad Humphreys) opted for a course nearer Lee on Solent hoping for clearer air whilst Holmatro crept right into the island shore, tiptoeing past the anchored yachts in Osborne Bay. It was a nail-biting finish as Holmatro was alternately stalled then able to make slow progress. Once past Norris Point she picked up a gentle breeze and within 100 metres sped to the line at 6 knots.

First back in the monohulls was Charles Dunstone’s TP 52 Red at 1517 hours followed by Atomic Stephen Plant’s Farr 45. Peter Goss sailing Cornwall Playing for Success will win the Freedom Challenge Bowl as first Grand Prix/MOCRA multihull – a result which bodes well for the Round Britain and Ireland Race he will be entering in a few days’ time.