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Islander wins Round the Island 2004 in classic yacht

image of WhooperThe prestigious Gold Roman Bowl trophy has been won by an Islander, Giovanni Belgrano, 43, of Gurnard. Mr. Belgrano won the race, in which yachts circumnavigate the Island in a westward direction, in Whooper, a classic wooden boat which was built in 1939.

Although Orange II was first across the finish line, the top trophy was taken by Mr. Belgrano who completed the circumnavigation in 6:20:32, after his handicap was taken into consideration.

Mr. Belgrano sailed the Island built Whooper with an eight man crew. He bought the boat in 2001 and has entered it into the Round the Island Race every year since. Mr. Belgrano said "This is fantastic - she's my pride and joy. She's had 65 years of practice and I was the lucky one. On the first leg we realised we really had a chance, so we really went for it."

The light-blue-hulled Whooper was designed by Laurent Giles and built in Cowes by Woodnutts. Image courtesy of Eddie Mays.

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