1 Jul 2015
J.P. Morgan Round the Island Race 2015
A slightly overcast morning greeted the Mortgage Required Race Crew participating in the 2015 JP Morgan Round the Island Race but it soon gave way to gave way to bright sunshine and a fresh breeze.
We enter a team every year in what is fast becoming a Mortgage Required tradition. The Round the Island Race was first run in 1931 with just 25 entries. It is now a firm part of the British Summer Season and Social Calendar. Apparently the third largest sporting event in the World (in terms of the number of entrants), it is open to all from the most humble to the most exotic of race machinery sailed by crews of all ages and skill levels.
The Round the Island Race is a spectacular event with over 1,600 yachts entering the race this year. Starting and finishing just outside the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the cannon fires shoreside as the tide turns and as many as 2,000 yachts and more than 10,000 crews head westwards on the ebb tide in search of the first mark at The Needles Rocks. The entire race is sometimes best described as managed carnage, so our skipper, Mortgage Required’s Managing Director, Tim Atkinson, admitted to some nerves as he guided his pride and joy through the pre-start chaos.
The Mortgage Required Team left Hamble River at 06:30hrs in order to reach the start line in good time, with the reward for an early start being juicy sausage butties washed down with copious mugs of strong tea.
The race itself was fast and we set a good time, circumnavigating the 60 mile course around the island in a little over 8 hours and 26 minutes, just 60 seconds slower than our 2013 Race. Unlike previous years, we managed to not only finish the race in one piece with no damage, but we also finished well up the fleet in 168th place overall and 13th in Class, beating a 19th in class for us in 2013 (250th overall) and a retirement last year.
No doubt there will be some stiff limbs and sun burnt faces this week, but if you spot some big smiles in the office you can probably guess who was racing at the weekend. In the meantime, just 362 sleeps until Round the Island Race 2016!
Recent posts
Labour Autumn Budget Predictions: Housing
2 days ago
The UK’s chancellor, Rachel Reeves will deliver the Labour government’s autumn budget at the end of the month, we take a look at what could be announced in relation to housing.
Most popular areas for first time buyers to buy
12 days ago
Recent research from Halifax has revealed the most sought-after locations for first time buyers in Britain.
The data which was taken from the Halifax House Price Index looked at areas outside of London where those looking to purchase their first property were buying. Despite high property prices and increased rates, these first time buyer hotspots have remained popular.
How can I look after my mental health?
13 days ago
Taking care of your mental health means looking after your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. There are several ways we can practice self-care that will help to improve our physical and mental health. This can help to reduce our risk of illness, manage stress, and boost our energy levels!
First Time Buyer to do List
16 days ago
Buying your first home is very exciting but it can also be very daunting which is why we have set out a “to do list” to help you get started.
Bank of England Holds Base Rate at 5%
20 Sep 2024
With UK inflation remaining at 2.2% which is slightly above the Bank of England’s 2% target, the decision was made on Thursday 19th September to keep the base rate at 5%.
Virgin Money and Hive Energy introduce new "green" mortgage product called Retrofit Boost Mortgage with the aim to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their home by offering cashback between £3,000 and £15,000
According to recent findings by LV= where 4,000 UK adults were surveyed, mortgage holders said that were likely to consider equity release to free up some money to take care of expenditures in later life.
A mortgage market rate war
9 Aug 2024
Following the recent decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the base rate from 5.25% to 5% (the first reduction seen in over four years), we have seen lots of lenders reducing their rates to remain competitive.
More information
Trusted by
