Gale force winds forced organisers of the Around French Island Catamaran Race to reschedule the event.

Originally due to start at 12 noon on Saturday, a decision was made to postpone the event until the following day, when the island was hit with squalls of up to 38 knots (70 kph) and low rain cloud taking away visibility,

Organisers deemed it unsafe to hold the competition, so the teams waited for more favourable conditions the following day.

A crowd of locals, including Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead and Island Ward councillors Ronnie Bauer and Tracey Bell had gathered at the yacht club on the Saturday, only to hear the news the event couldn't go ahead.

Sunday arrived, still wet with strong winds, but organisers said all the sailors had stayed overnight, and were "very determined to take on the challenge".

Competitors had travelled from Port Phillip Bay, Gippsland, South Australia, New South Wales and for the first time three sailors from Tasmania had entered.

The race began in windy conditions, with wind increasing over the course of the race.

Several boats capsized before reaching Hastings and two were forced to retire early.

Others ran aground, suffering damage to rudders, as they battled to navigate through the narrow channels behind French Island.

As always the race was another epic battle with many race leader and division leader changes, and tense racing down the final leg from Corinella back to Cowes.

In the final leg, many boats tipped over due to the strong wind gusts. One sailor was knocked off his boat which sailed off without him.

Thankfully another competitor, local sailor Ged Pepping quickly picked him up and together they chased down his boat, with both boats sailing on to finish the race.

James McDonald and Anton Schwarze on a F18 from Frankston Yacht Club secured the Ocean Reach award for the first boat across the line. They completed the course in a fast three and half hours.

The route, in a clockwise direction around French Island is around 70 kilometres as the crow flies but closer to 100 kilometres was sailed.

The Overall Winner on handicap to secure the converted Isle of Wight Trophy was Ant Richards from Westernport Yacht Club on a Taipan.

Ant sailed yet another outstanding race and remarkably, he has now won the race three times in the past five years.

Results

This years 29th running of the Cowes Yacht Club Around French Island National Catamaran Challenge was the fourth super-sized event with $10,000 prize money.

Division 1, sponsored by Australian Air Safaris
Winner: James McDonald and Anton Schwarze on a F18 and Line honours winner of the Ocean Reach award.
Second: Emma Rankin and Beau White on a F18. Emma was also the winner of the first female skipper award.
Third: Jeremy and Angus Brookes on a F18.

Division 2, sponsored by the Isle of Wight
Winner: Ant Richards on a Taipan 4.9 sloop.
Second: Simon Lyddieth on a Taipan 4.9 sloop.
Third: Shannan and Jack Wilson on a Mosquito Sloop.

Division 3, sponsored by Modra Technology
Winner: Gary Maskiell on a Mosquito.
Second: Geoff Rowdon and Taylor Woodward on a Hobie 16.
Third: Robert Lott on a Mosquito