"The race around the island was the highlight of the RYS International Regatta held in Cowes to mark the Bicentenary of the Royal Yacht Squadron. The yachts were sent clockwise around the Isle of Wight following the course of the very first America's Cup race in 1851. The J Class boats had a slightly later start time and spent the day sailing through the fleet. On the final downwind leg it looked like they were finally going to catch the 19 metre Mariquita. However the crew of the gaff-rigged cutter had other ideas and were determined to hold them off flying their spinnaker to maintain full speed. They were going so fast the spinnaker pole which is attached to the corner of the sail was bending like a bow. Thankfully the rig held together as they powered over the line in record time with Velsheda and Hanumen in her wake. I used a long lens on this photograph which compresses the yachts so they actually look closer together. The highlights and shadows on Mariquita's sails were an extra bonus."