Plymouth sailors complete Round the Island Race

An experienced skipper successfully completed one of Britain's largest participation sporting events of 2015, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on Saturday 27 June.

Plymouth skipper Eric Bates and his 4-man strong crew, were among some 16,000 sailors to take on one of the world's largest yacht races 'Britain's favourite yacht Race'.

The team who raced one of the 1,600 competing boats entered the race for the third time, bringing their 31 year old Swedish boat from the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club.

Eric Said: "The boat has a long history and we've been doing it for years and years and years, we're all getting older and none of us want to give it up."

With the oldest member of Eric's crew, John (70), they look by use previous knowledge and experience to improve on last year's position. With no sign of giving up sailing, Eric and his crew look forward to future Round the Island Races to Come.

The famous 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight, now in its 84th year, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is an all-encompassing event. The Race's unique 'Race for All' ethos caters for and embraces first timers, families, amateurs and professionals competing at the highest level. The Race's 'Race for All' ethos is supported through Official Charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust where over £200,000 has been raised.