Exhilarating Catamaran Racing - Round the Island 2023 on Dazcat 1495 Hissy Fit

40 multihulls jostling for space and air at the start, hearts pounding in a sharp blend of acute focus mingled with the heady atmosphere created by being among the 1100 strong fleet and the anticipation of what's ahead...

The Round the Island Race has been a favourite fixture on the Dazcat calendar since the beginning. Maybe it's the draw of a challenge that on the surface looks innocent enough, but can test the most experienced boats and crew in so many different ways. It's dubbed 'Race for All' and the fantastically diverse and massive fleet is living proof of that. The 50nm, close-to-shore course with rescue services strategically placed could create a sense of security. Yet once again we are reminded that the elements are always boss out here on the water, the sea-states created by wind, shallows and tides create conditions to be vary wary of and unexpected things can happen at any moment.

The 2023 RTI proved itself to be one of these and the rescue services, who did an amazing job, were kept busy all day. On board Dazcat 1495 Hissy Fit it wasn't all smooth sailing either and we had our share of drama. We also had some of the most beautiful, fast and quite literally, stunningly smooth sailing.

Many thanks to Hissy Fit's crew and a special shout out to young Adam. He's only 17 (or maybe 16 even) and although an experienced J24 sailor, this (with the Nationals as a warm up) was his first multihull experience and his first RTI.

It was also the first time D-1 has made it back to this race since her great victory in 1991 with designer Daz at the helm. You can find D-1's video of the 2023 season in the D-1 playlist, as well as older ones. The D-1 backstory is online here: http://tinyurl.com/Dazcat1-History

Dazcats have been hand built to order in Cornwall since 1988, at the ‪@themultihullcentre7981‬ . More about Dazcats on our website dazcat.com

Our island nation and sailors so lucky to have the ‪@rnli‬ and the work they do. This year, 2024, they will have been saving lives at sea for 200 years and it was impressive and moving to see them in full action on this gusty day.

Music with thanks to ‪@musicforsport‬ An independent Cornish based business.