By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island Sailing Club (ISC) has opened entries for this year’s Round the Island Race, which will set off from Cowes on Saturday, June 15.
The annual event has become an iconic sporting event, with the first race taking place in 1931. Competitors come from all over the UK and world-wide, to follow the 50-nautical-mile course around the Island. Starting on the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes at 6am, the fleet races anti-clockwise around the Island, finishing back at Cowes. It regularly attracts over 1,100 boats and around 7,000 sailors, and is one of the largest yacht races in the world.
Enthusiastic amateurs and families compete on the same course as elite pros and Olympians. For many, the aim of the day is to enjoy an incredible day on the water with friends and family, but for others there are prizes to be won and records to break.
Race director, David Atkinson, said: “With an earlier date, the race is sure to be an exhilarating start to the 2024 summer sailing season. We carefully choose the start time and date to provide the optimal tidal conditions, and with such a wonderfully varied fleet we want to ensure that all competitors can reach and round The Needles. The race experience is so different each year and I think this is why our competitors are addicted to returning year after year. Also I’d say the camaraderie out on the water is unrivalled; it’s such a pleasure to see so many sailors having such a great time.”
This year, the RNLI has been named as the Official Race Charity. For more race information and to take advantage of ‘Early Bird Entry Deals’ visit iow.life/roundtheisland.