​Hundreds of yachts are taking part in the annual Round the Island Race, described by organizers as occurring in near perfect sailing conditions. The event, which circumnavigates the Isle of Wight, began at the Royal Yacht Squadron Line in Cowes, with multiple classes launching at 10-minute intervals from 07:00 BST. Pace claimed the first finish, crossing the line at 12:48 BST, as anticipation built for a potential new race record under ideal conditions.
Race director Dave Atkinson commented ahead of the start that the forecast looked outstanding for the event, with winds shaping up to be the strongest seen in some time. The organizers emphasized that the weekend’s weather could yield a new benchmark for speed in the Round the Island Race.
The 50-nautical-mile (93-kilometre) circuit sends the fleet westward from Cowes toward The Needles, then back to Cowes via St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Bembridge, and Ryde. The competition features a mix of professional sailors and amateurs, all competing within a unique handicap system that gives every boat a chance to win the coveted Gold Roman Bowl.
Organizers reiterated that the forecast pointed to near-record conditions, suggesting the potential for a new race record to be set. The current course record for a monohull, set by Mike Slade aboard ICAP Leopard in 2013, stands at 3 hours 43 minutes 50 seconds, while the multihull record is 2 hours 22 minutes 23 seconds, established by Ned Collier Wakefield aboard Concise 10 in 2017.
The Round the Island Race first launched in 1931, beginning with 25 entries and gradually growing into the event’s current scale, which now draws hundreds of boats and global attention. The weekend’s sailing promises remarkable pace and competitive spirit as crews chase historical times and new records amidst a coastline famed for its challenging yet exhilarating conditions.