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Thousands of sailors took part in an annual race around the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n
It is one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.<\/p>\n
The race pits Olympic and professional sailors against amateurs, with a unique handicap system meaning any boat can win its prize – the coveted Gold Roman Bowl.<\/p>\n
Notorious came first this year, skippered and owned by Cowes resident Peter Morton who has won the 50 nautical mile race for a second time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He said: \u201cI\u2019ve not had the boat that long but I\u2019ve competed in Round the Island Race many times over the last 50 years in various boats I\u2019ve owned. <\/p>\n
“It\u2019s one of the most famous yacht races in the world and we went out to try and win. <\/p>\n
“It\u2019s 40 years ago since I won it on a little 25ft boat called \u2018Odd Job\u2019, so today was very special for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organisers were forced to cancel eight classes from this year\u2019s race due to the weather conditions, with strong winds causing a risk to participants’ safety.<\/p>\n
The event, organised by the Island Sailing Club first race took place in 1931 with 25 entries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n