Countdown to the Race for All
The excitement is building for the iconic and much-loved Round the Island Race on Saturday 1st July. The Island Sailing Club (ISC) are delighted to announce that local resident, presenter and writer Alan Titchmarsh will be firing the cannons at The Royal Yacht Squadron to start the race at 08:00.
Alan said:
‘I’m delighted to have been asked to start one of the highlights in the Isle of Wight calendar. The Round the Island Race is very special and I wish every participant fair winds and a calm sea. Bon voyage!’
David Atkinson, Race Director said:
‘We are delighted to welcome such a hugely varied fleet this year, both returning and new competitors. It’s such a great opportunity for race crews to test their sailing skills, teamwork, and strategy as well as having a great day on the water. There’s going to be a real battle for line honours this year and we can’t wait to see who will lift the hugely coveted Gold Roman Bowl. Then there’s over one hundred other prizes on offer, not forgetting the many personal races happening between our competitors.’
Follow the race
Follow the social media channels and the live Race Blog on the event website which will provide a running commentary on the progress of the race – along with pictures and video clips – from the first start at 08:00 through to the finish. Meanwhile, the Race Viewer tracking system will be monitoring the position of all the 1,000+ boats taking part, so you can see exactly where your favourite boats are on the racetrack.
To help you choose a great vantage point to watch the race in person take a look at the Spectator Guide on the event website. The guide gives likely times the fleet will pass the different places during the 50 nautical mile course.
Official Race Village will be open to all
The Official Race Village hosted by the Island Sailing Club at Cowes Yacht Haven will be the place to be. It is free to enter and will welcome all competitors, supporters, spectators and visitors to enjoy drinks and food from 17:00 on Friday 30th June and throughout race day and evening until midnight.
Enjoy live bands on Saturday from 18:00 and soak up the atmosphere. The Race Partners (Helly Hansen and B&G), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Project Q and the Island Sailing Club will have stands offering race support, discounts, games and giveaways.
Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust celebrates it’s 20th birthday on race day
Dame Ellen MacArthur will helm the Trust’s flagship boat Solent Hero and will be accompanied by 24 young people following their cancer treatment aboard four yachts.
Event Website: www.roundtheisland.org.uk
Social media: @roundtheisland @roundtheislandrace and #RoundtheIsland #RaceForAll
