Drama at the start

The biggest fleet in the 86-year history of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's flagship event started on time, off The Royal Yacht Squadron Line. Thousands of spectators packed Cowes Parade to witness a yacht racing spectacular and hundreds of spectator boats turned out to watch the drama unfold. In the first start, MOD 70, Race for Water skippered by Steve Ravussin, was deemed over at the start and had to come back, but they were not alone, many more yachts were over-eager and had to restart.

Pete Newland's Cowes-based Anticipation, was holed shortly after the start in a collision. The local team turned the boat around and headed back to the Island and then returned to racing after patching up the damage. George David's Rambler 100 was the pre-race favourite for Monohull Line Honours but the mighty Maxi had two crew up the rig and no sails flying, just 10 minutes before their start. Shortly after the start, Rambler 100 shredded their headsail and Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard crossed in front of their big rivals.

Meanwhile Loick Peyron's 40m Trimaran, Maxi Banque Populaire was flying a hull, searing along at 20 knots upwind, approaching Hurst Narrows. In just three hours, the giant multihull was past Portland Bill, going full pelt.

A full race report will follow shortly.