We catch up with Rob Peace, a regular competitor in Round the Island Race and a Director of Operations for the Island Sailing Club.
AAS: HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED SAILING?
RP: We were fortunate landlubbers to get out on the open sea with family at a young age. A bit green around the gills in Cornwall on my uncle’s shared 34ft cruiser and Hilbury sailing in the Wirral got me hooked.
AAS: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH ISLAND SAILING CLUB AND ROUND THE ISLAND RACE?
RP: I became a regular Tuesday evening racer on the ISC Sonar keel boats which was great fun and full of seasoned sailors willing to share their huge knowledge of the Solent. In 2014 I joined the ISC to charter for Cowes Week and was soon on the Sailing Committee as Sonar Captain to help maintain the exposure of the fleet to sailors. The ISC is the only club to offer sailing to all with our Thursday night offer regularly taking over 40 improvers and novices out onto the water, from cadets to pensioners. This is the first time on the water for many of them, and taking part in what can be perceived to be an elite sport is rewarding for all concerned. I was Rear Commodore Sailing for three years, which enabled me to be heavily involved with the organisation of the race and enjoy the spectacle from many vantage points and to really understand the hard work the club puts into running such an event. The spectacle of the start from the Squadron platform is magical and daunting at the same time.
AAS: WHEN DID YOU FIRST COMPETE IN ROUND THE ISLAND RACE?
RP: Ocean Venture in 2013, an Ocean 60 with its famous ‘Gollywobbler’, Osborne in 2017, a 1929 8m and last year on Kelpie, a 1903 57ft Gaff Cutter.
Image: Ian Roman
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY DURING THE RACE?
RP: One of my best all round RIR sails was last year on Kelpie. The conditions were testing but the way she carved through the swell and over hauled race boats around the bottom of the island was really impressive. Kelpie is one of the fastest Gaffers of her size; and we won a trophy to prove it!
AAS: CAN ANYONE ENTER THE RACE?
RP: The ISC created a handicap system, ISCRS, to cater for all boats that qualify to being safe to circumnavigate the island. Family cruisers and craft of all sizes are welcome. There are certain criteria for day boats, guard rails for instance, but otherwise, all are welcome. It is this inclusivity that makes the race so special.
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE RACE?
RP: I have been crew only a few times but the Club goes to a lot of effort with briefing competitors and advising on preparing your boat and crew. Advice can be found on the event website, an online weather briefing plus Race Partner B&G run a great Race Support Programme, and perhaps a well-known seasickness pill for the run past St Cats!
AAS: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF KIT TO HAVE ONBOARD ON RACE DAY?
RP: For me – knee pads; for the Club – a mobile connection to our tracking system and for the skippers – good navigation either human or digital.
AAS: THIS YEAR’S RACE IS SUPPORTING THE RNLI IN THEIR 200TH YEAR. HAS THE RNLI ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED WITH RACE DAY?
RP: Yes, they have always been involved both with the planning and support on the race day. There’s a representative in the ISC Race Box to advise and communicate when needed. The RNLI enables the race organisers and competitors to embark on Round the Island Race – the largest sail racing challenge in this country. Last year showed how comprehensively the organisation trains its volunteers to deal with incidents in adverse conditions, the coverage they provide is incredible. Happy Birthday and many thanks from the sailing community.
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF RACE DAY?
RP: Preparing for the start. The anticipation is always electric.
AAS: WHERE WILL YOU BE ON RACE DAY THIS YEAR?
RP: I have really enjoyed being part of the volunteer ISC team but ultimately I hope to be on the water. I may get a sail on a Cape 31 but that will require a gym membership, and I am always happy to sail with the amazing Kelpie crew.
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE COURSE?
RP: The start and first leg to The Needles. In 2017 we let off from the mooring in East Cowes, set Osborne’s sails before turning directly for the line and executing the perfect start, this memory will always make me smile. We stormed down to The Needles at the front of the class and sailed hard all the way round.
AAS: WHAT ELSE DOES THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB HAVE PLANNED FOR 2024?
RP: The Club has made a big effort to be the ‘Friendly Club’ on the Solent. We hope to continue improving the facilities and sharing the amazing position we have in Cowes, with more members and newcomers to sailing. We plan to organise many regattas and events throughout the year and are determined to repeat last year’s successes. The ISC is grateful to all the RIR partners and sponsors who cement our relationship with the sailing community, but the success of this year’s calendar relies on those who volunteer their time to make it all happen.
