If I could be somewhere today…

...It would be in the Solent taking part in the Round the Island Race. I did it once, in 2001 and it was one of the best ever experiences, although I had a bastard of a hangover. I crewed on a Clipper 38 and I think we came 175th. That's out of 1500+ boats so not too shabby. The winds were a little light and the swell made it feel oliy at times. Came close but didn't chuck. Coming round the Needles was amazing. 100s of boats squeezing through the Race between the Western end of the IOW and Hurst Castle then making the turn. We cut inside and hugged the southern coast of the island. This was the right call as the favorable current carried us round. For seven hours, you race with spitting distance of dozens of boats including some real beauties. Here's a rather groovy promo video for this year's race.