The
Round the Island Race is something of a unique event in the sporting calendar and is one of the largest mass-participation events in the UK.
In 2024 year more than 1110 boats took part in the race!
The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight, an island situated off the south coast of England. The race regularly attracts over 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.
Competitors come from all over the UK and worldwide to follow the
50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight. Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races westabout, to The Needles, round St Catherine's Point and Bembridge Ledge buoy, and back into the Solent to the finish line at Cowes.
It is a fantastic and memorable yacht sailing experience to take part in. Do not be put off if you are a beginner and if you are a seasoned sailor take advantage of the tidal planning and more advanced skippering techniques that you will be assisted with.