Mark Attrill will be taking part in this year’s Round the Island Race onboard Aqua.
AAS: YOU WON THE FAMILY TROPHY LAST YEAR – WILL IT BE A FAMILY AFFAIR AGAIN THIS YEAR?
MA: We have been lucky to win the Family Trophy twice now – also in 2016 in my previous boat. I really enjoy racing with my sons Cameron, Harvey and Morgan. This year my sons have other commitments, so we will be going for some other trophies!
AAS: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOAT.
MA: Aqua is a Dehler 101 fractional rig fin keel boat with laminate sails and an asymmetric spinnaker. Over time our Round the Island Race results have improved; the right boat for the conditions helps, good sails and constant trimming.
AAS: WHAT ARE YOUR ‘RACE GOALS’ THIS YEAR?
MA: Definitely to beat last year’s time – wind permitting! Plus, to try and improve on our place in the overall ISC Rating System Division (we were fifth last year). Aqua was first in group and class, with group and class line honours.
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE RACE?
MA: Keep a constant lookout at all times, especially on your fore sails blindside on the upwind legs. Boats tack quickly and when on a port tack especially be ready to dip or tack. Have a bowman upfront to do this if you can. Avoid a collision at all costs and make your actions clear. We do cut the corner at The Needles if lined up correctly, but it is always a relief when it is safely behind us. It would be good if it was marked better! I know too many people who have hit the wreck or been too close to Goose Rock. Hydrate your crew and reapply sun-cream often as well.
AAS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF RACE DAY?
MA: Seeing The Needles is always special. We like the challenge – you never know what weather to expect. From spinning at St Catherine’s with no wind to big waves at the over-falls or champagne sailing! It is great to celebrate with the crew when it goes right afterwards.
AAS: DO YOU HAVE A STAND OUT MEMORY FROM A PREVIOUS RACE (ON OR OFF THE WATER)?
MA: Last year we were overly cautious dropping the spinnaker at Bembridge Ledge because we heard a few pan pans on the radio, so our class rival overtook us. We then put the spinnaker back up and overtook them. At Ryde Sands we were just ahead, the adrenalin was pumping and then a crew member said “they have run aground near two boats already parked there!” and their race was over…
AAS: WHY DO YOU THINK SAILORS COME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR?
MA: I think it is the atmosphere of 1,200 plus boats and over 10,000 sailors in a single race spectacular. You could not design the course better – four equal sides. It is the Grand National or a marathon on water but for the masses. The fun on and off the water with true friends cannot be surpassed.
AAS: WHAT OTHER BOATING EVENTS ARE YOU TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR?
MA: We will be at Cowes Week, JOG inshore races and Royal Southern race events.
AAS: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF KIT TO HAVE ONBOARD ON RACE DAY?
MA: I guess it is an up-to-date chartplotter. But I would settle for a kettle to make a nice brew!
AAS: TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU!
MA: I started to sail at age six, I like ELO and used to play roller hockey!
