In a close run to the finish, the Navigators and General Sunfast 36 Eagle Star, with YM editor Sarah Norbury and ybw.com editor Chris Beeson aboard, took first slot in her Hoya Round the Island class.

This is not the first time that an ultra-competitive crew from the insurance company have taken the honours in this busy group. This year’s skipper was Dennis Mossiman and the yacht took the lead late in the race after chasing Sunfasts No36 and No22 most of the way around the Isle of Wight. The latter yacht had in fact incurred a time penalty at the start and the former was overhauled by Eagle Star after Mossiman and co held their spinnaker when rounding from Sandown Bay into the Solent.

Chris Beeson said, “having gained a good lead on No36 but see that lead reduced to a few boat lengths near the finish, the last beat to the line proved very tricky and nerve-wracking”. Rumour has it the team are now retiring to Cowes to find a solution for those tense moments.

Meanwhile, the ybw.com reporting team is holding station off Cowes enjoying the sight of a completely eclectic mix of yachts and sailing craft making their way to the line. The wind is dying off to a Force 2-3 south-westerly and it could be a long haul home for those in the smallest and slowest classes.For a portfolio of over 150 photographs from today’s action, click here