The Isle of Wight Beacon – the Island's daily news sport and weather website

EGG-STATIC SAILORS PREPARE TO TAKE TO THE WATER THIS EASTER

Red Funnel ferries will pick their way between the yachts.
Red Funnel ferries will pick their way between the yachts.
The sailing season is set to get underway later this month, with Red Funnel’s 17th annual Easter Challenge.

The event promises over 6,000 miles of RORC-organised racing.  There are seven races over three days, overseen by the RORC’s new CEO, Eddie Warden-Owen.  Among the stars to watch out for on the water will be America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Steve Hayles, navigating on board Rán.  This year’s event will be used as a trial event for selecting teams for the 2008 Rolex Commodores’ Cup.   It is not restricted to RORC yachts and any with a valid IRC certificate can take part.  Enter online at http://www.rorc.org/, by 13 March. The Easter Challenge runs between 21 and 23 March.