RACE DAY: 15 June 2024 - It's all systems go for the 2024 race!
Text & Image: Island Sailing Club
We've had over 240 entries to date and would like to remind boat owners and crew to get their entry in soon to take advantage of the great Early Bird Entry Deals.
All past competitors should have received an email with a link to a pre-filled entry form. If you did not receive this email, please contact the team at rir@islandsc.org.uk or call the office on +44 1983 296 621.
If your boat does not have a current IRC rating certificate then we offer a free rating system (ISCRS) for competitors who would like to take part in Round the Island Race or other Island Sailing Club events. For more information click here.
Any boat, from cruiser to maxi yacht can enter the race. If you've never taken part before, the race can seem a little daunting! Fear not, we've produced a handy 'First Timers' Guide' with everything you need to know.
Helly Hansen Official Race Collection
We're thrilled to announce that Helly Hansen is continuing their support of the race as the Race Clothing Partner. The Race Collection will be launched in the next few weeks.
B&G Race Day Ready Blogs
Whether a seasoned racer or competing in the race for the first time, our Race Partner B&G can help with their series of Race Day Ready Blogs developed by their experts.
Support the RNLI in their 200th Year
RNLI lifeboats from Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Mudeford, Lymington, Portsmouth and Yarmouth have been involved in the running of the event for many years and are strategically positioned around the course. We are raising funds towards the training costs of the volunteer crews at these stations. Click here for more info and to donate..
My Round the Island Race Story
We talked to Derek Saunders, owner of INCISOR, a local Isle of Wight boat moored in Cowes Yacht Haven (Corby 45, IRC, built 1998).
RIR: How many RIR have you and the boat done?
DS: I've competed in every race since 1972 and the boat has raced every single one since we launched it in 2000.
RIR: Can you tell us about a favourite moment from one of the races?
DS: In 2022, a lady who was blind was welcomed to the RIR crew and she steered the boat from Osborne Bay to the finish line - with only a little bit of help from me.
RIR: Who is on your crew for the 2024 race?
DS: We need 12 crew members to safely manage the RIR course. So, the crew will be made up of four of my regular crew (who do the Island Sailing Club Tuesday night racing and East Cowes Thursday racing) and then the rest will be guest crew. We do a training day on the Friday before the race where everyone gets put through their paces. It's really enjoyable to meet new people and fantastic if they take up sailing as a hobby after relishing the RIR experience.
RIR: What are you race goals this year?
DS: To sail a safe race, have fun and get a good position within the IRC fleet, better than any of our past ones.
RIR: Why do you think the race attracts so different types of sailors?
DS: They enjoy the challenge whatever their level of experience. For many, it is their one big sailing event of the year and they know it's something very special.
Good luck INCISOR - we hope you beat one of your RIR Race Records in the 2024 edition:
Have you entered and would you like to feature in our series of 'My Round the Island Race Story'? Would you like to see your RIR Race Records? Get in touch with Jo Bowden - jo@islandsc.org.uk.
For race information, the 2024 Notice of Race and to enter, go to the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk. Early Bird entries will close at 23:59 on Saturday 31 March when the standard entry fee kicks in. For all the latest news follow us on social media - @roundtheisland and #RoundTheIsland #RaceForAll.