The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.
The race continues to live up to its reputation as a ‘Race for All’ – welcoming sailors from all over UK and the world - with professional sailors, keen amateur crews, families and first-time racers competing on the same 50 nautical mile course. Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes early morning on Saturday 15th June, the fleet races around the Isle of Wight in an anticlockwise direction.
Spectators can enjoy a fantastic view of all the action from many points on the Island’s breath-taking coastline. The start in Cowes is a sight to see (and hear, with the starting cannons being fired for every fleet start), then the boats pass around the Needles Lighthouse, along the south-west coast of the Island to St. Catherine's Point and up across Sandown Bay to round the Bembridge Ledge Buoy. The fleet then makes its way on either side of No Man's Land Fort and across Osborne Bay to the finish line in Cowes. Those who cannot get to watch in person can always keep an eye on the race's progress on the event website and social media.
The Official Race Village at Cowes Yacht Haven in Cowes will be open from 5pm on Friday 14th June and throughout race day and evening until midnight. It is free to enter and will welcome all competitors, supporters, spectators and visitors to enjoy live bands, drinks, food and sponsor stands.
The official charity partner in 2024 is the RNLI that has supported the Round the Island Race for many years ensuring the safety of all participants with RNLI lifeboats strategically positioned around the course.
For more information visit the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk and social media @roundtheisland / #RoundtheIsland.
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