Many yachts are making lighter work of the Round the Island race as they enter the calmer waters of the Solent, but the Navigators and General/ybw.com entry with YM’s editor onboard has taken class lead.

Many yachts are making lighter work of the Round the Island race as they enter the calmer waters of the Solent.

As we write, many sails are filling the horizon out to the east of Cowes. Much of the fleet is still behind the island, and with today’s conditions they cannot expect to finish much before late afternoon. The wind has veered slightly to a south-westerly, giving those south of the island an opportunity to hoist the kite.

The Navigators and General Sunfast 36 on which YM editor Sarah Norbury is sailing is currently passing Ryde Sands making about 7-8 knots in a Force 4 and has now taken the class lead thanks to hanging on to her spinnaker long after rounding the mark at the end of Sandown Bay.

We’ll catch them as they cross the line.For a portfolio of over 150 photographs from today’s action, click here