Dave Atkinson, Race Director said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming boats from all over the World to the 87th edition of the race. The Race Team wish all the competitors a very enjoyable day on the racetrack and a fun time in the Official Hospitality Venue on The Parade, which is open to everyone.'
There's still time to enter as Late Entry will be available until noon on Wednesday 12 June. See the event website for details.
Shoreside experience
The Official Hospitality Venue on The Parade in Cowes will be open from 14:00 on Friday 14 June to 20:00 on Sunday 16 June. Make plans to meet up with friends at the Crew Bar and enjoy the delicious food at the Food Court.
Like to organise a Crew Supper on Friday or Saturday? Blind Tiger will be offering these at 19:30, booking is essential at www.blindtigeriw.co.uk. Enjoy a cocktail and pizzas on the waterside at The Mermaid Garden and all competitors are welcome at the Island Sailing Club bar and terrace.
Large Crew Bar marquee serving a wide range of drinks including draft beers and ales
Food Court serving food and snacks - vendors include favourite local Cowes restaurant 'The Garden', Honey Donuts and Island Ice
Live music on the stage all three days including bands Blonde Bombshell (Friday night) and Cornerstone (Saturday night)
B&G Race Support Event Truck offering electronics set-up support to all competitors and get involved in their 'Plinko' prize game
Helly Hansen and RNLI stand - take the 'Ready Steady Crew' challenge and buy a race memento from the HH Official Race Collection
Crew Deli at Blind Tiger - Deli Boxes are available to pre-order & collect on Friday www.blindtigeriw.co.uk
Crew Suppers at Blind Tiger on Friday and Saturday - book via www.blindtigeriw.co.uk
The Mermaid Garden at the ISC - cocktails, beers and pizza
ISC Bar and Terrace (all competitors welcome)
ISC Dining Room - lunch and dinner. Please book on 01983 249434 or 296621
Both the Race Briefing (Friday 14 June 18:00) and Prize Giving (Sunday 16 June 12:00) will take place on the stage.
Lifejacket Clinic
Helly Hansen in partnership with the RNLI will be holding a Lifejacket Clinic outside the HH store (121 High St, Cowes PO31 7AY) on Friday 14 June 15:00 to 18:00. All competitors are welcome to bring their lifejackets to be checked by the RNLI team.
Visit the HH stand in the Official Hospitality Venue on The Parade to take part in their 'Ready Steady Crew' challenge to race the clock and get dressed head-to-toe in an RNLI rescue outfit. Buy the Official Race Collection from the HH Stand and Cowes High Street store.
Follow the Race
To follow the race online, visit the event website and watch the easy-to-use Race Viewer. As well as seeing the full race unfold live and following the text commentary, specific boats can be highlighted and tracked as they progress around the course.
New this year is a 'LIVE Stage Leaderboard' tool which tracks the progress of the fleets (IRC and ISCRS) and shows individual boat positions on handicap within their fleet after each of the four main race stages. Also, follow on social media for all the latest updates.
It's a spectacular sight watching the hundreds of boats sailing around the stunning Isle of Wight coastline. There are many excellent vantage points on the Island shoreline including the start in Cowes, The Needles, Chilton Chine, St Catherine's Point, Ventnor and Ryde Pier. On the mainland shore - Hurst Point and Gilkicker Point are great spots. A Spectator Guide on the event website provides details of all the shoreside activities and a handy map, with a table of times at which the boats will pass different points during the race.
For all the latest news on social media - @roundtheisland and #RoundTheIsland #RaceForAll.