The annual Round the Island Race, which started back in 1930, is organised by the Island Sailing Club. It is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight, situated off the south coast of England. The race regularly attracts over 1,400 boats and around 15,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world. It is also the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.
During the 2019 Round the Island Race, our boat Escapado finished first-in-class beating 9 other 40.7’s.
In recent years the Round the Island Race has become a popular challenge for sailors at all levels of experience and abilities, attracting classic yachts such as the elegant J Class “Velsheda” as well as state-of-the-art, record-breaking greyhounds. Olympic gold medallists have tried their luck in the Sportsboat Rule and IRC classes, whilst grand old ladies of the sea, “Suhaili”, “Gipsy Moth IV” and “Lively Lady”, have given more modern designs a run for their money. The ISC Rating System division, for un-rated yachts, now exceeds the regular racers. For some of these sailors, this is their one race of the year and many use the event as a first taste of yacht racing. Entries come from all over the south and east coasts of England as well as from France, Belgium, Channel Islands and further afield. The event is reported in media across the world – from Brazil to Japan, Hungary to New Zealand.
The race is a 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.
Whether you compete regularly or are new to the sport, taking part in the Island Sailing Club’s Round the Island Race is a day to remember, sailing in one of the world’s largest sailing events in some of the best sailing waters!
*** Round the Island Race 2025 has been confirmed for June 7th however, the exact schedule has yet to be released. We do not believe the dates below will be altered, but please occasionally check this page as we will be updating it as soon as the full official schedule is released.
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