Yesterday, July 29, 2015 saw the majestic J Class sailing yacht VELSHEDA win the class in the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentenary International Regatta‘s Race Around the Island. Superyacht VELSHEDA was followed by luxury yacht LIONHEART, placing second.

J Class superyacht Velsheda © Beken of Cowes

J Class superyacht Velsheda © Beken of Cowes

Following a cancellation of the first two days of racing due to strong winds, the J Class fleet enjoyed the boisterous conditions around the outside of the island, with the breeze touching 20 knots at times.

Sailing yacht Lionheart © Beken of Cowes

Sailing yacht Lionheart © Beken of Cowes

“We were never really worried at any point,” said super yacht Velsheda’s Tom Dodson.It’s a good one to win and I think we did all the right things we should have.”

Luxury charter yacht Ranger © Beken of Cowes

Luxury charter yacht Ranger © Beken of Cowes

Superyacht Lionheart’s tactician, John Cutler, comments: “Velsheda sailed really well. They got the jump on us at the first shift after the start. I am kicking myself for that but I did say before that it could down to the first cross, the first shift and that pretty much was it.”