There's just 24 hours to go until 1,200 boats race around the Isle of Wight, in this year's much anticipated Round the Island Race.
Run by the Island Sailing Club, the 2021 event — which gets underway tomorrow (Saturday) at 6.30am — marks the 90th anniversary of the race.
Renowned sailor and Helly Hansen Ambassador Pip Hare will be firing the cannons at the Royal Yacht Squadron for the first start at 6.30am and then jumping on a rib to join the crew on quarter tonner ‘Belinda’.
David Atkinson, Race Director said:
“The focus for this year is organising a great race on the water.
"Saturday’s weather is currently looking good, but everyone should check the up-to-date forecast available on our event website. Entries have surpassed our expectations, and this clearly demonstrates the popularity of the race and the appetite for sailing in general after the latest lockdown. The entire race team of 130 people are working hard to ensure that all of our competitors have a fantastic day on the water."
A pre-race weather briefing will be given by the race’s official weather guru, Chris Tibbs, and will be available online from 6pm today (Friday) at roundtheisland.org.uk.
Chris Tibbs said:
“It looks like it is going to be a slow start to the race until a weather front passes through late morning, then we will get a nice southwesterly wind with some sunny spells. This should get spinnakers flying on the south side of the Island and a good finish to the race.”
One of the multihulls taking part in the race is PowerPlay, who as Concise 10 set the Round the Island Race Record (multihull class) of 2h 22m 23s in 2017.
“PowerPlay is certainly capable of beating the record we set in 2017, but as usual the wind gods will have the final say. Ideally we would need an 18+ knot southerly for a quick lap,” said skipper, Ned Collier Wakefield.
Peter Cunningham, owner of the PowerPlay Racing Team said:
“The MOD70 is the most exciting boat I have raced and the chance to compete in the Round the Island Race is a pinnacle. It is a great course and one of the stand-out moments is bearing away at The Needles. Going from 20+ upwind to 35 knots and more, you can feel the acceleration! Competition will be tough, but the boat and crew are in great shape, so bring it on!”
The prize-giving for the Gold Roman Bowl (overall IRC winner) and Silver Gilt Roman Bowl (overall ISCRS winner) will take place at The Island Sailing Club on Sunday. All other trophies will be awarded on Saturday August 7 at 11am, after Cowes Week, by when COVID restrictions will hopefully be lifted.
A full list of winners will be available at roundtheisland.org.uk.
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
New Online Cancer Support For Local Residents
Specialist Monitoring Equipment Now Installed At Leeson Road
West Wight Runner Jackie Follows PB Marathon Run With Eastenders Appearance
West Wight Pub Can Now Be Listed As 'Asset Of Community Value'
Royal Navy 'Bomb Squad' Called To Seaview Following Ordnance Alert
Automated Gates Arrive On Wightlink’s FastCat Foot Passenger Route
Help Keep Isle Of Wight Streets Neat – Bring Your Bin In
Two Passengers Injured Following Bus Crash In Ryde
Late Night Reports Of Collision Spark Extensive Land, Sea And Air Search
Islanders Taking On London Marathon Today For Local Charities
Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
