Volvo

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race

25 Jun - 25 Jun 2011

The only way was Essex out at sea this year when popular TV personality Denise Van Outen joined some of the Countries’ top Olympic sailors today to compete in the annual 50 mile sprint around the Isle of Wight, namely the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.

Denise and good friend, actor and TV presenter Chris Parker joined Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison and his partner, top 470 sailor and fellow Essex local, Saskia Clark on Team Volvo 2, a 35ft racer yacht. Denise officially started the race at 6.00am by firing the Cannon at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes where she met round-the-world yachtswoman, Dame Ellen MacArthur.

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The day was wet and gloomy with difficult sailing conditions for the competitors. The wind was a consistent 25 knots, with gusts of 30 around the iconic Needles landmark. However, despite the big waves and choppy seas Denise finished the race smiling and enjoyed her sailing experience “It was a treacherous out there- really choppy but, we felt in safe hands with Team Volvo for life sailors Paul [Goodison] and Saskia [Clark]. It was great to sail with them and defiantly an experience I will never forget. I’m proud I managed to stay on the boat – there were a few hairy moments but it’s great to say we did it” said Denise. 

“It was a once in a lifetime you will never forget, an experience to tell all your friends about” continued Chris.

Denise Van Outen and Chris Parker Anthony Jones @ Mark Lloyd Images

Denise’s boat triumphed their fellow Team Volvo for life boats, Team Volvo 1 and Team Volvo 3 skippered by bronze Olympic medallist and 2009 World Champion RS:X Windsurfer, Nick Dempsey and Paralympic sailor, Helena Lucas finishing an impressive 6th place in their class. Team Volvo 3 was close behind in 7th and Team Volvo 1 finished in 28th. It was a fantastic effort from all the teams with Team Volvo 2 finishing 136 overall, Team Volvo 3 148th and Team Volvo 1 286th.

Team Volvo 1 skippered by Helena Lucas, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Race 2011 Credit Anthony Jones @ Mark Lloyd Images

Difficult conditions forced a number of early retirements including sisters Lucy and Kate Macgregor, two thirds of top international Women’s Match Race team and current World Champions the ‘Match Race Girls’ and 470 sailor Hannah Mills. The Girls, who were joined by some of the RYA Volvo youth squad members took part in Laser SB3s but chose to return to Cowes when they reached the Needles. 

To pick up some pre-race tips, Denise took to the waters of the Solent for the first time yesterday joining Nick, Helena and the RYA Volvo youth squad members of an afternoon of training and match racing.

Check out mor eimages and race updates from the race here www.facebook.com/volvocarssailing and here www.twitter.com/volvosailing