IT MAY have taken almost twice as long as predicted, but the MOD70 foiling trimaran, Concise Fling, has repeated its success of last year to cross the line first in this year's Round the Island Race.

The boat, helmed by Ned Collier Wakefield, came in at just before 3.15pm in a time of 8.34.09, making it one of the slowest first home times recorded in the history of the race.

They had predicted coming in at around 4hrs 30mins.

Progress, of course, had been hindered as they passed through the forts when the wind shut off completely, leaving them floundering with a 'traffic jam' of racers building up behind them.

The first monohull to finish was Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator, with a time of 8.56.47.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Tony Langley's TP52 Gladiator - the first monohull over the line. Photo: George Mills Photography

Elsewhere, the light winds led to many having to make the reluctant decision to retire from the race - even before reaching the Needles.

Even returning to Cowes from the Needles was a challenge, but at least they made it with the tide under them.

Those who successfully rounded the Needles before the tide turned continued to make progress, albeit slowly, and testing to their tactical racing skills to the limit in the light winds.

Adventurer Ben Fogle, sailing for race sponsors Cloudy Bay, was put to the test.

In total contrast to his climbing experience, Fogle, who conquered Mount Everest, spoke positively about the race.

"After a fantastic sunrise, our crew on Cloudy Bay were pleased to find some breeze and a beat to the Needles," he said.

"We're looking forward to some good sailing in the Solent."

The race, run by the Island Sailing Club, attracted 1,200 competitors, which got under way early this morning.

Dame Ellen MacArthur, representing the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, the event's official charity, fired the cannon as official race starter for the 87th edition of the Round the Island Race from the Royal Yacht Squadron line.

It total, there were 11 starts.