On August 11th I set off onboard Class 40 Stella Nova for the start of what has turned out to be an incredible record-breaking Round Britain and Ireland Race. The Stella Nova is boat #4 of the Mach 40 series, designed by Sam Manuard and built by Nicolas Groleau in La Trinité sur Mer. I was lucky enough to be asked to join German owner Burkhard Keese and his teammates Alex and Max when one of his crew had to drop out at the last minute. We knew it was going to be a fast race a

The RORC Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race has always been on my bucket list. 1800 miles of the best of the British summer wind conditions and increased tactics incorporating strong tides and even the choice of going clockwise or anti-clockwise around the British Isles. What’s not to like? This years race is shaping up to be a great one to watch, Sydney Gavignet’s MOD70 Oman Sail will be there with a team of Omani sailors supported by Damian Foxhall and Jan Dekker read