Of course there was the usual splash of big names out on the water, including Ellen MacArthur and Ben Ainslie.
I raced on one of the Artemis Figaros, taking some of the guys from Pol Roger (sponsor of the Academy) out for a ride. It was a windy day, with a good 18-25 knots, so we had a thrilling blast round the back of the Island. Surfing down the waves at a good 10 knots plus was pretty exciting for everyone, and made even better by watching the windsurfers and kite surfers having an equally good time in Sandown Bay.
The other Artemis Academy boat competing was skippered by Olly Bond, who was very lucky to have Mike Golding joining him, who with over 250,000 sailing miles to his name is quite an inspiration! Mike is taking on the Vendee Globe, starting in November this year, with his boat Gamesa. This will be his fourth Vendee Globe (having come 7th in 2001, 3rd in 2005 and dismasted in 2009) - so I will be following avidly!
So overall a great day for everyone involved. See the webpage
http://www.roundtheisland.org.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?section=home for some great photos and videos.