Round the Island Race 2023, what a phenomenal event. This year I was fortunate enough to join the incredible James Harayda and Dee Caffari with crew aboard the IMOCA 60, Gentoo. Having only recently completed a Transatlantic aboard S/V Outlaw – a Baltic 55 in preparation for the Ocean Globe Race – it’s safe to say that sailing Gentoo was quite a switch up! With Dee in charge of the nav (not to brag) we nailed every lay line and reached speeds of up to 26kts over the ground around the back of the Island!
The foils gave us a lovely lift in the breeze and made the yacht sing beautifully. Using a pedestal winch with six different gears was a whole new world to me and at times I found myself bashing buttons here there and everywhere until I found the right combination.
It was great to have my personal support team (mum and dad) out on the water chasing us down as best possible although keeping up with the IMOCA doing 16 knots through Hurst proved quite difficult. Constantly monitoring Marine Traffic so not to miss the finish they had just enough time for a quick bite to eat in Yarmouth before heading back out to watch us be the 5th boat to cross the line at 13:12, winning our class. It was an absolute honour to sail on Gentoo with James, Dee and crew and I can only hope I have another invite back soon!
India Syms
Photo credits: PKC Media, Jason Ludlow Photography, Solent Action Sailing Photography