The time is 0630 and the two multihull classes have just started the Round the Island Race for 2003. The most notable of these include Francis Joyon’s Eure et Loir-Idec, last year’s record holder, Shockwave , Paradox and Orion, which form the Grand Prix divison.

These boats will be hotly pursued by the Challenge Business 72-footers, and in contrast, the modern and original Old Gaffer classes, some of whose names will be familiar, such as Kelpie and Black Rose.

The wind is forecast south-westerly 4-5, veering and decreasing in the afternoon to westerly 3-4, and perhaps equally important to many competitors, the sun will be shining!

Keep posted for more detailed news as events unfold – we’re off the Needles to catch some of the most exciting racing as the fleets converge around the famous landmark.