RACE DAY: 15 June 2024
The sailing race season has at last started, and with only 11 weeks to go until the 87th edition of the world-famous Round the Island Race, it's all systems go at the Island Sailing Club (ISC). The Club has proudly organised this annual race since 1931 and recruits over 100 volunteers to get involved, both on and off the water.
The Race Team is encouraging competitors to enter the race in the next few weeks as this helps with the planning and management of the race. The Early Bird Entry deals will be closing this Sunday (23:59 on 31st March) and then Standard Entry will be available until Saturday 1st June.
Launch of the Official 2024 Race Collection by Helly Hansen
The Helly Hansen 2024 Race Collection incorporates some of the brand's favourite technical pieces for the marine and water sports industry, including a HP ½ Zip Pullover (made from recycled double-knit polyester), Tech T-shirt and Club Hoodie for both men and women, with all garments featuring the Race logo.
New this year will be a pay-by-link payment system and home delivery service. More information and order details are available on the event website. The Race Collection will be available for pre-order from Thursday 28th March, with the option of delivery or collection from Cowes from mid-May.
Polly's Round the Island Race Adventures
Every boat that crosses the finish line in Cowes has a great story of their Round the Island adventure. The Impala 28 'Polly' is a wonderful family boat that has been raced since 1999 and is moored on the River Hamble. Polly's owner is Ben Meakins, who works for B&G (Race Marine Electronics Partner) as a Test Engineer. Ben has competed in the race for over 25 years.
Ben: I grew up racing and cruising on Polly before my parents sold her and bought another boat. Eight years later, in 2009, my wife and I bought Polly back along with good friends Adrian and Jo, and we've raced all but three Round the Island Races since.
RIR: What makes you keep coming back?
Ben: I love Round the Island Race. It might be hectic and exhausting, with more snakes and ladders than any other race I've done, but we keep coming back year after year. It's got it all - a huge fleet, challenging tactics, a variety of sailing conditions. It's also a boat-spotter's dream to see the spectacle of over a thousand sailing boats of all shapes and sizes.
B&G Race Support Blogs
Whether you are a seasoned racer or 2024 will be your first experience of Round the Island Race, Race Partner B&G is here to help all the competitors get the most out of their electronics with a helpful hints blog series.
The next blog lands in early April and comes from Ben Meakins, a Test Engineer at B&G, who shares his fascinating insights into what makes this iconic race attract competitors like Ben and his crew back year after year. Future blogs this year will focus on chartplotter race modes and calibration using the powerful new Triton Edge processor. Check out all the race support blogs on the B&G website - https://www.bandg.com/en-gb/blog/racing/round-the-island-race-series
B&G will also be sharing a series of Race Interviews in April and May, covering stories and race weekend memories from a host of competitors, including B&G's very own ambassador, Pip Hare.
RNLI volunteer crews are training for the Race
We are delighted that the RNLI is our Official Race Charity for 2024 in their 200th Anniversary year. Seven RNLI volunteer crews from the Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Yarmouth, Lymington, Mudeford and Portsmouth stations come together and train at least fortnightly to replicate the real-life incidents that could occur on race day and during emergencies throughout the year. This might involve practising with sailing vessels like those in the race, or crew in difficulty scenarios to ensure they are ready to respond to a range of incidents.
All donations raised will go to these stations and specifically for the training of their volunteer crews. Over £2,000 has been raised so far. To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/rnli-round-the-island-race-2024
Membership of the Island Sailing Club
All race competitors (owners, skippers and crew from the UK and abroad) are invited to become members of the ISC, and we are offering an exclusive membership package with no joining fee. Please contact Emma Pain at the ISC office on +44 1983 296621 or emma@islandsc.org.uk to find out more.
Last reminder - last few days of Early Bird entry deals
For more race information and to take advantage of great Early Bird entry deals visit the online entry page. Early Bird entries finish at 23:59 on Sunday 31st March and Standard Entries finish on 1st June.