The Contessa 26 “Rosina of Beaulieu” has taken the coveted Gold Roman Bowl trophy at today’s Round the Island Race – and for the second time running. The boat was sailed by Simon, Kit and David Rogers, the three sons of yacht designer Jeremy Rogers from Lymington. Today’s win was the icing on the cake, as father Jeremy last year won the same top trophy, sailing with two of his sons. This year he decided it was up to the boys and he was absolutely thrilled with their success. The win today comes on top of Simon’s setting a new record for around Britain in a powerboat under 30ft last weekend.

“Rosina of Beaulieu” is one of the smallest boats in the 1,600 strong fleet and it was a close run match with two other low handicapped boats. The Folkboat “Madelaine” missed out by just three minutes after a race of over nine and a half hours: owner Edward Donald from Winchester won the Gold Roman Bowl sailing another Folkboat “Celia Mary” in 1999. Third was the 2000 IRC overall winner, Martyn Wheatley also from Lymington sailing the H-Boat “Cloud Nine”.