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.'
Still time to enter
Late ENTRIES close at 12:00 on Wednesday 28th June, so if your boat isn't already entered for the race, visit the event website for all the information you need and the online entry form.
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.
The Official 2023 Race Collection by Helly Hansen is available to order online (via the event website and then pay/collect in the Helly Hansen Cowes store) or visit the store and enjoy shopping the wide range of branded kit.
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. The charity is launching its #200for20 Birthday Challenge on the day of race. Please donate £20 by texting RACEFORALL to 70460.*
*Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting into hearing more from the Trust (if you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more, please text RACEFORALLNOINFO instead).