Seldén Half Ton Classics Cup 2026

We’re now back in Cowes and the boats are approaching the finish line and there have been some changes as they’ve made their way up from Fishbourne. Its still very light and tricky and Insatiable has slipped into the lead with Concorde now second and Per Elise third. On the final approach Concorde took the inshore passage closer to the Island shore which had the slight tidal advantage but Insatiable stayed out and benefitted from better breeze. With her rating advantage Insatiable looks to have the race sewn up as they approach the line.

Finish order to follow shortly.

They’re all thru the forts and the leaders are passing Fishbourne and heading for home with the breeze picking up again. The leading boats were Concorde, Per Elisa, Insatiable and General Tapioca. We’re heading back to Cowes now for the finish.

It’s gone really light and the fleet is making very slow progress up towards Ryde Pier. Concord is leading boat with Per Elise second and several boats
unidentified yet on the portsmouth shore but its very tight and with such light airs could go anyone’s way.

Your intriped reporters have been enjoying a warm up and a good coffee in the new Costa at the end of Ryde Pier. While we’ve been waiting for them to hove into view we’ve met up with fellow Half Ton fan Bob Sewell who is here as support team for Concorde and has also been following. The first boat has just tacked around No Man’s Land Fort. They’re just too far out to identify but we’ll update you as they come up to Ryde Pier.

The fleet is passing Sandown and are starting to head offshore as the tide begins to turn flood. The viz is very low and we can barely see them now but it looks like the wind may have dropped at little.

The fleet is whizzing down the back of the island. We’ve just seen them fetching thru Ventnor. The viz is lousy and we’ve constant drizzle but they are having a great race with the pack still closely bunched.

The fleet is making great time and passed St Cat’s at approx 11.15

The Half Ton Classic Cup fleet started their Round The Isle of Wight Race on time at 07.30 this morning. Fortunately the overnight rain stopped just before the start and the boats got underway from the Royal Corinthian line in a decent reaching breeze so they should be making good time down the Solent. Your roving reporters are just setting off in the car to catch up with them and will update you as soon as they can. In the meantime here are a few snaps from the start to keep you entertained:-

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