yacht race isle of wight

Race highlights

Copyright © Island Sailing Club . Website by NGR

© Sienna Anderson

Round the Island Race

Saturday 15 june 2024, high water portsmouth.

The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.

Competitors come from all over the UK and worldwide to follow the  50 nautical mile course  round the Isle of Wight. Starting on the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races westabout, to The Needles, round St Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge buoy, and back into the Solent to the finish line at Cowes.

For further information visit the event website.

Regatta guide to Cowes  

Royal Yacht Squadron

The Castle, Cowes, Isle of Wight, P031 7QT

Tel: +44 (0) 1983 292 191

Photography

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

Round the Island Race 2023: An epic edition of the ultimate 'Race for all'

Related Articles

Upcoming Events

Home » Events » Round the Island Race 2023 – Countdown to the race for all

Round the Island Race 2023 - Countdown to the race for all

The excitement is building for the iconic and much-loved Round the Island Race on Saturday 1st July 2023. It’s both a prestigious and a challenging race, and regularly attracts a diverse range of sailors from around the world – from professional racing teams, keen amateur racers and families ready for an enjoyable day out on the water.

All fleets follow the same 50 nautical miles course which circumnavigates the Isle of Wight in an anti-clockwise direction with the start and finish off Cowes. The Island Sailing Club (ISC), who have run the race for over 90 years, 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. The long-range forecast is looking favourable and we’re hoping everyone will enjoy this spectacular race.”

Behind the scenes the race relies on the well-practised Race Management Team at the ISC and the support and dedication of over 150 volunteers who play essential roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the event. It can be a long day for some of the volunteers, especially those stationed on the Finish Line committee boat. The team need to accurately record the sail number and time of every boat as they cross the finish line, and transmit this info to the results team based in Regatta House to enable an almost live feed of results online.

Follow the Round the Island Race 2023

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 most popular Island vantage points are in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Cowes Green; The Needles; St Catherine’s Point; Culver Down and Ryde Pier. The guide gives likely times the fleet will pass the different places during the 50 nautical mile course. 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 1,100 boats taking part, so you can see exactly where your favourite boats are on the racetrack.

Official Round the Island Race 2023 Village will be open to all

Nothing beats a chilled beer and a jovial debrief after completing the race! 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 atmospere. 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.

B&G in partnership with Hudson Marine will be at the Race Village with their B&G Technical Support Vehicle, kitted out with all the latest electronics. The team will be on hand to offer support and have some cool giveaways.

Helly Hansen in partnership with the RNLI will hold a Lifejacket Clinic outside the Helly Hansen Cowes store (121 High St, Cowes, PO31 7AY) on Friday 30 th June, between 15:00 and 19:00. Visit their stand in the Race Village to take part in their ‘Ready Steady Crew’ challenge to race the clock and get dressed head-to-toe in an RNLI rescue outfit.

The Official 2023 Race Collection by Helly Hansen is available to order online (via the event website  roundtheisland.org.uk  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 is taking on the Round the Island Race 2023 in celebration of her charity’s 20th birthday. She will take the helm of the Trust’s flagship boat Solent Hero and will be accompanied by 24 young people following their cancer treatment aboard four yachts. Visit the Trust’s stand on Saturday 1st July in the Race Village for some fun family games.

This year, the charity is launching its #200for20 Birthday Challenge on the day of the Round the Island Race, with Dame Ellen encouraging entrants to raise £200 or £20 for the Trust’s 20th anniversary. Donations of £20 can be made by texting RACEFORALL to 70460* or visit their JustGiving page ‘2023 Round the Island Race’.

*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). 

The race is also supporting the new charity Project Q Foundation which raises funds and awareness to advance Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery locally, nationally and internationally. Visit their stand to talk to their passionate team about why this innovation is so important to support.

The official Weather Briefing, hosted by Penny Tranter, will take place at the Island Sailing Club on Friday 30th June at 18:00, all skippers are welcome and it will be available online from 20:00.

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.

Event Website: roundtheisland.org.uk Spectator Guide: Visit the event website ‘The Race’ section Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and #RoundtheIsland #RaceForAll

Recent Posts

Isle of Wight Gyms: Our guide to National Fitness Day 2024

12 september 2024.

Read A New Book Month 2024: Guide to Isle of Wight Bookshops

2 september 2024.

National Golf Month 2024: Our guide to golfing on the Isle of Wight

20 august 2024.

Get a glimpse in to Island life, it’s more than your average holiday destination.

Attractions

About the Island

News & Features

Beach Guide

Towns & Villages

Cycling Routes

Walking Routes

Dog Friendly

Self-Catering

Inns & Pubs

Holiday Parks

Bed & Breakfast

Caravan & Camping

By the water

Sports & Activities

Heritage & History

Health & Wellbeing

Culture & Arts

Free things to do

Restaurants

Pubs & Bars

Local Produce

Cafes & Tearooms

Family Friendly

Vegan Friendly

Getting to the Island

By car or coach

Island Transport

What’s on

BEACH GUIDE

• Competitions
• British Yachting Awards
• Southampton Boat Show
• Print Subscription
• Digital Subscription
• Single Issues
• Advertise with us

Your special offer

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting today!

Save 32% on the shop price when to subscribe for a year at just £39.95

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting!

Save 32% on the shop price when you subscribe for a year at just £39.95

Round The Island Race 2024 results: Notorious wins amid wet and wild conditions

Boisterous conditions during the 2024 Round The Island Race made for a thrilling race which provided challenges for both competitors and race organisers…

Some years the annual Round the Island Race is a gentle stroll around the Isle of Wight in gentle summer sunshine. 2024 was anything but…

This is the UK’s biggest mixed fleet race on the calendar but Saturday’s race saw strong winds, with gusts of up to lash the south coast meaning that a number of smaller classes were withdrawn before the race and many others retired.

The most extreme conditions were experienced in the pinch point that is the Needles Channel. Gusts of 50kn were recorded and wind over tide conditions at times made for truly intimidating conditions. In the end just 153 yachts completed the course with a remarkable 418 retiring.

In such conditions it was no surprise that big boats came to the fore and it was to be Irvine Laidlaw’s 80’ Gunboat Highland Fling that took line honours, making the circuit in an impressive 3h 39m.

Meanwhile the TP52 Notorious , owned and skippered by Peter Morton took monohull line honours and won IRC on corrected time, scooping the much coveted Gold Roman Bowl in the process.

Peter Morton, owner and skipper of Notorious said: “This is one of the world’s greatest races and every year I look forward to it. I’ve not had the boat that long but I’ve competed in Round the Island Race many times over the last 50 years in various boats I’ve owned.

“Yesterday was special and the toughest one I’ve done. It’s 40 years ago since I won the Gold Roman Bowl on a little 25ft boat called ‘Odd Job’ which was the smallest boat in the fleet, so this year was very special for me.”

An unsettled early summer in the British Isles provided a real headache for the organisers of the annual Round the Island Race, who woke up to the reality on Saturday of extreme conditions, Race Director, Dave Atkinson said: “This race was a challenge for both the competitors and the Race Team at the Island Sailing Club, with the safety and well-being of the crews being the main priority.

“We would like to thank the RNLI, independent lifeboats and coastguard teams for their assistance and co-operation before and during the race on Saturday. Despite the challenging conditions we only had nine incidents connected to the race which is less than previous years, this shows the seamanship of the crews and the correct decision making that went into undertaking of the race.”

For more information and full results, visit the official Round The Island Race website .

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

New Yachts on the Market: Latest Racing & Cruising Designs

Yacht Sharing Guide: Best Ownership Options & Schemes

Olympic Entertainment VS Fairness: Emma Wilson’s Bronze

Offering a wealth of practical advice and a dynamic mix of in-depth boat, gear and equipment news, Sailing Today is written cover to cover by sailors, for sailors. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice.

• Telegraph.co.uk

ADVERTISING

© 2024 Chelsea Magazine Company , part of the Telegraph Media Group . | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

54-knot winds severely deplete 2024 Round the Island Race fleet

• Helen Fretter
• June 15, 2024

Extreme conditions severely depleted the fleet of the 2024 Round the Island Race, with hundreds of boats opting not to compete or retiring in 50-knot winds

Competitors in today’s 2024 Round the Island Race , an annual 50-mile circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, faced one of the most severe conditions in years with gusts of over 50 knots recorded at The Needles, the westernmost point of the course.

The Round the Island Race traditionally attracts one of the largest fleets of any yacht race, and this year saw 939 boats originally entered.

However, today’s extreme conditions have severely depleted both the number of starters and finishers, and just 153 yachts completed the race with 418 retiring.

First to complete the course was Irvine Laidlaw’s Gunboat 80 Highland Fling , which posted an impressive elapsed time of 3h 39m 5s.

The Gunboat 80 Highland Fling was first multihull in the 2024 Round the Island Race Photo: Paul Wyeth/RTIR

Owner Irvine Laidlaw said: “It was the first event for us in 2024 and we’ve travelled over 3,000 miles from Palma to be here but it’s worth it! I thoroughly enjoyed the race – I like the fact we go around an island with the start and finish in the same place, it’s rather satisfying.”

Boat captain Xavier Mecoy added: “[The] Boat is only a year old and it’s the first time we’ve sailed her in a big breeze, we’ve never had 2 reefs in the main before, so that was pretty exciting and we spent quite a bit of time sailing bare-headed as it was safer. 

“We were charging around the course doing 30 knots of boat speed at times.”

First monohull around was the Cowes based TP52 Notorious , owned by Peter Morton, who finished more than 40 minutes ahead of the nearest monohull yacht in 4h 21m 20s.

Notorious also finished 1st overall in IRC on correcrted time, winning the coveted Gold Roman Bowl.

Peter Morton, owner and skipper of Notorious, said: “I’ve not had the boat that long but I’ve competed in Round the Island Race many times over the last 50 years in various boats I’ve owned.

“It’s one of the most famous yacht races in the World and we went out to try and win. It’s 40 years ago since I won it on a little 25ft boat called Odd Job , so today was very special for me.”

Peter Morton’s TP52 Notorious took monohull line honours and 1st overall under IRC in the severe conditions of the 2024 Round the Island Race Photo: Paul Wyeth/RTIR

54 knots at the Needles

Despite a deceptively sunny start as the first fleets set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron at 0600, conditions quickly deteriorated to become even more extreme than many forecasts had suggested. The Needles Battery wind station (above the famous rock formation) recorded gusts of 54 knots from 0700 and a steady wind of 39-45 knots from the south-west. Competitors reported 35-40 knots going through Hurst Narrows.

This led to a severe sea state on the south of the island which saw many boats which had started choosing to turn back before the Needles. Fewer than 100 boats in the IRC and ISCRS fleets (the majority of monohulls) were recorded as rounding the Needles. 

Many of those retiring have reported sail damage, particularly torn mainsails. There was a collision off Yarmouth, and at least one man overboard incident, which was recovered swiftly. However, organisers report that there were just nine other incidents – fewer than in previous years. Local RNLI and Independent Lifeboat crews were on the water across the Solent and on the south of the island supporting the fleet throughout the day.

David Rolfe, skipper of the Sigma 33 Shadowfax was one boat whose race ended by the Needles. Shadowfax  was welcoming her new part owners aboard for their very first race on the boat.

“We started with a reef and our Number 2 [jib],” explained Rolfe. “It was, I would say deceptively – not calm, but quieter than forecast. When we came off the line, and if anything, it then dropped a little bit. As we headed down the Solent we even had a little bit of a talk about how we might set the spinnaker lines for when we’re on the south side of the island.

“Then a weather band that came in, a whole load of rain squalls, and that just changed mode completely. Suddenly we were in full on, probably 30-odd knots, gusting high 30s. It was a bit on and off through those squalls, some heavy rain, maybe even a little bit of hail in amongst it.

“The sea state was a bit rough, but not crazy. And then as we got towards Hurst, it went up another level. We could see it coming down the track towards us, and a few boats were really on their ear. One boat was definitely 45 degrees or more over, out of control, just pushed on its side by the wind. So we were battened down and gearing up for that.

“Then we got pushed right on our ear. We’d trimmed the main out. We’re trying to control it, but we were right on our side and going slowly, and almost sideways! I don’t know the wind strength, probably gusting into the 40s. And the sea was getting bigger and rougher with wind over tide really driving it pretty hard. So we decided we needed to go for a second reef, put that in. And after putting that in [we] tacked off to go into the full [tidal] stream through Hurst.

“That’s when we saw, unfortunately, we’d ripped our main, probably as we were reefing it. That was the end of the race for us. We bore away and hurtled back, surfing down these waves on our way back to Cowes.”

The Needles recorded winds of 54 knots as the 2024 Round the Island Race fleet passed the landmark. Photo: Paul Wyeth/RTIR

2024 Round the Island fleets cancelled

The race typically attracts a large cohort of family and amateur crews, for many of whom this is the only race they may compete in all year. A building forecast over the preceding week had led many competitors to withdraw ahead of the race. 

The day before, organisers had also announced that eight classes would not start . Racing was cancelled for the Classic Racing Yacht (ISCRS), Diam 2 class, Gaffers under 23ft, J/70s, both divisions of Bridgedeck Multihulls, the smaller Grand Prix and MOCRA Multihulls, and the Sportsboat division.

Race safety officer Mark Southwell said on Friday 14 June, when making the announcement: “We will only cancel fleets where there is a significant chance that the majority of the fleet could get into difficulties and risk injury to the crew, a situation that could quickly overwhelm the support services. 

“For other fleets, with a wide range of crew experience and boat types, it is each skipper’s sole responsibility to evaluate the capability of their crew and the suitability of their boat to handle the expected conditions (including wind and sea state) and make the decision as to whether their boat should take part.”

Race Director, Dave Atkinson said in a statement from the organisers after the race: “This race was a challenge for both the competitors and the Race Team at the Island Sailing Club, with the safety and well-being of the crews being the main priority.”

“We would like to thank the RNLI, independent lifeboats and coastguard teams for their assistance and co-operation before and during the race on Saturday. Despite the challenging conditions we only had nine incidents connected to the race which is less than previous years, this shows the seamanship of the crews and the correct decision making that went into undertaking of the race.”

T: 02380 016450   |   E: [email protected]

• Round The Island Race 2025

Beginners or Experienced – No previous experience is necessarily required. We have race prepared yachts and also cruiser yachts that are less complicated. Talk to us so that we can match you, your experience and attitude with the right boat and crew! We have an experienced Skipper and First Mate on board each boat to help guide you through what is required on your Round the Island Yacht Race experience. They are there to help assist and mentor  / helm and co-ordinate the crew. With a 1st Mate we are in a position to fly spinnakers (either asymmetric / symmetrical) when conditions allow.  Rest assured you are not being ‘just sailed around’ (unless you want to) but will be encouraged to take part in all aspects / positions aboard the yacht. At night you can either stay on board, or if you would prefer you can take accommodation ashore and join the boat during the day. We offer packages aboard the yachts as below with either a ‘Buy a Berth or Cabin (for 2)’ or a ‘complete yacht charter’ price that includes a Skipper.  NEED A VOUCHER ? – RING US NOW!

Your Round the Island Yacht Race Event includes:

• Yacht (As per description -Spinnaker or Asymmetric)
• Professional Skipper (& First Mate where appropriate)
• From Gosport / Free Parking
• Accommodation Aboard (shared cabin)
• Cowes Mooring on Fri / Sat nights
• Safety Equipment
• Race Entry Fees
• Racing Insurance (Food on board during sailing – for ‘book a berth clients’ yachts.)

Round the Island Race – Complete Yacht Charter

Please enquire if you require a complete yacht charter. Beneteau First 40 Elan 434 Dufour 46 Jeanneau 43 Jeanneau 37

The 3-Day Round the Island Race Complete Yacht Charter allows for a useful practice day meeting on Friday morning 0930 hrs. Boats will berth in West Cowes  on a ‘walk-ashore’ mooring right in the heart of West Cowes for Friday / Saturday night to allow access to enjoy the shore-side ambience and festivities. Yachts depart and return to Hamble or Gosport. Ask for details applicable to each yacht. You self provision for sailing and eat ashore at own cost either at one of the many food stalls or in one of the restaurants in the evenings. Accommodation on board:   We will take the Skipper / Mate off at night to free up berths for you and your crew.

Jeanneau 43 – Cruiser with Spinnaker. – Up to 10 Clients / 3 Doubles / 1 Bunk Bed / Saloon for 2 / Heads x 2. Large spacious versatile accommodation cruiser yacht available for up to 10 clients plus Skipper & 1st Mate. Has 2 wheels and plenty of cockpit space. 11 berths in 4 cabins (3 x Doubles and a bunk bed cabin) plus a double and single in the main saloon. Comes with either symmetric or asymmetric spinnaker

Beneteau First 40 Race Cruiser with Spinnaker –  Up to 10 Clients / 3 Doubles / Saloon for 2 / Heads x 1 Lovely sporty yacht available for a Skippered Boat with 1st Mate included with full sail inventory, large spacious cockpit with German mainsheet system, deep draught and large wheel. 8 berths available on board in 3 x double cabins plus single berths either side in the saloon.

Jeanneau 37 – Cruiser with Spinnaker – Up to 8 Clients / 3 Doubles / Saloon for 2 / Heads x 1 Comfortable cruiser yacht available for a Skippered Boat with 1st Mate included with slab reefed main /

roller furling genoa, Total 9 berths available on board in 3 x double cabins plus single berths plus a double in the saloon.

3 – Day ‘Book a Berth’ Option for Individuals / Cabin Shares on 43ft Jeanneau (Friday Practice / Saturday Race / Sunday Chill-Out Sail / Food on board) Individual ‘Book a Berth’  £1595  2 Person Price of Double Cabin Share £850  Individual Price 

The 3 day ‘Book a berth on RTI Event’ format will be on a  Jeanneau 43 – Cruiser with Spinnaker or asymmetrical or symmetric spinnaker.  There is a practice day meeting on Friday morning 0930 hrs. Boats will berth in West Cowes  on a ‘walk-ashore’ mooring right in the heart of West Cowes for Friday / Saturday night to allow access to enjoy the shore-side ambience and festivities. Yachts depart and return to Gosport. The event has with food available on board during the sailing and you eat out at one of the many food stalls or in one of the restaurants in the evenings at own cost. You are allocated a berth (or cabin) and can stay on board Friday and Saturday nights on a ‘walk-ashore’ mooring in West Cowes.

The Jeanneau 43 is a large spacious cruiser yacht with versatile accommodation which allows us some flexibility in accommodating a ‘Buy a Berth’ crew of up to 9 sleeping aboard. Up to 11 berths are available – 3 doubles / 1 bunk bed cabin (for 2) / saloon (for 3) / heads x 2 .  Has 2 wheels and plenty of cockpit space. Instrument repeater below and a TV / DVD. The yacht has a cooker, microwave and large fridge. Comes with either symmetric or asymmetric spinnaker.

Please contact us to determine availability of book a berth and also complete yacht charter availability – this event always sells out but it is worth contacting us even late minute as occasionally we are able to put on an additional yacht at late notice!

Ages 14-80 Years Crew on Board – Read what the Keys family made of it!

Missed Out? Try our Cowes Week Regatta Options

James Fox – (he’s done RTI Race with Yachtforce six times now) said, ‘Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to Steve and Chris. Awesome guys, great fun and would love to sail with them again. So if you need numbers for next year then, as always, sign me up! Also – love the boat!’

• Socials & Trips
• Solent Yacht Racing
• Cowes Week Yacht Regatta 2025
• Fastnet Yacht Race 2023
• Canary Islands Yacht Sailing Cruise
• Solent Yacht Sailing Weekends & Event Dates
• Sail Around The Isle Of Wight
• Stag & Hen Yacht Sailing Parties

Cross Channel Cruises

Join our mailing list.

If you like what you see join our mailing list and we give you a £25 voucher to spend with us. As well as this voucher you will also receive regular updates and offers from Yachtforce as they arrive.

We run a wide range of events throughout the year. These include weekend socials, social racing during Cowes week and the Round the Isand yacht race. So why not click to see what events we have coming up.

Upcoming Events

Join us aboard the boat for some fantastic yacht racing, meet new people and forge new friendships at some of the premier yachting regattas in the world. We have a wealth of experience in organising enjoyable social yacht racing events.

Social Yacht Racing

This regatta firmly places itself as one of the premier sailing, corporate hospitality & social events of the summer.

Cowes Week Regatta

First held in 1931, this event now has between 1500 - 2000 yachts competing in the famous race around the Isle of Wight.

Round The Island Race

A great way to learn to sail and have a relaxed, fun sailing experience in the sheltered waters of the Solent.

Yacht Sailing Weekends

Visit some truly memorable anchorages and hostelries… or visit the livelier ports of Portsmouth and Southampton.

Stag & Hen Parties

Crossing the English Channel on one of our Channel Hops is an unforgettable experience! Click this link for more information.

The Race History

The little sloop Meon Maid II runs down the western Solent under Spinnaker in 1964 (photo: Beken)

1930s - 1940s

The original idea for the Island Sailing Club's (ISC) Round the Island Race came from member Major Cyril Windeler. In 1930 he suggested a handicap race around the Isle of Wight which could cater for smaller boats - those in the category 5 to 25 tons. He may, at that time, have been enjoying a quiet joke at the expense of the Royal Yacht Squadron, who had stated that their members must own a yacht of minimum 30 tons!

The first race took place in 1931 with 25 entries and it was indeed one of the smaller boats which won. The successful skipper, Peter Brett, competed in a 22 foot Cornish fishing boat "Merry Conceit". He had bought it, in partnership with his friend Henry Trefusis, from the builders in Looe, for the sum of £45. The top trophy then, as now, was the Gold Roman Bowl. The original had been seen on display in a goldsmiths near the site of a Roman wharf in London. It had been dredged up from the River Thames. Major Windeler so loved the design he ordered a replica to be made by Bruce Benzie, the Cowes jewellers. Drama followed in 1933 when the leading yacht, Isaac Bell's "Rosemary IV", lost her mainsail just before the finish line. By setting a trysail, she just managed to beat her rival, "Felise", by 46 seconds. Meanwhile, Dr R T Cooke's 32 year old cutter "Enid" sprang a leak and, in spite of frantic pumping, sank off Alum Bay.

The Schooner Seabill ghosts over the start line in 1959 (photo: Beken)

After one of the early races, a competitor suggested to winner Chris Ratsey, of the Cowes sailmakers and then Rear Commodore of the ISC, that "Evenlode" might have fouled his yacht. So, acting like a true gentleman, Ratsey of course declined the trophy. Major Windeler was so impressed with this example of Corinthian spirit that he bought a Silver Roman Bowl and presented it to Chris Ratsey as a special prize. It is still awarded, but now for the second placed yacht overall in IRC. Chris Ratsey went on to win the Gold Roman Bowl, fair and square, in 1938.

It was not until the outbreak of World War II in 1939 that Major Windeler finally won his trophy, sailing a 7 ton auxiliary cutter "Kalliste" designed by Jack Giles. The triumph was quickly followed by a ban on private, leisure sailing for the duration of the war but the Round the Island Race resumed in the peacetime of 1946 under Major Sir Philip Hunloke as Commodore.

1950s-1980s and record breakers

From that time, entry numbers steadily increased, from 105 in 1950, to 1,309 in the mid 1980s. A superb turnout of 1,813 was seen in 1989, the Centenary of the Island Sailing Club but even that was exceeded in 2008 with a record 1,875 entries. Until the mid 1970s, the event demanded maximum dedication from the race officers, as there was no time limit. Senior Island Sailing Club members have vivid memories of keeping a lonely vigil in a launch until long after dark, awaiting the stragglers. Three green lights on a pole, powered by a car battery, marked the line. The ISC race management team, afloat and ashore, now numbers over 160.

Morning Cloud IV on her way to winning the Gold Roman Bowl for the 4th time in 1980 (photo: Beken)

Even during his term as Prime Minister, The Rt. Honourable Sir Edward Heath KG, MBE, MP was a keen supporter of sailing. He won the Round the Island Race four times; three of them in consecutive years in the early 1970s on "Morning Cloud II" and "Morning Cloud III". In 1980 he took the top trophy once more in "Morning Cloud IV". The Gold Roman Bowl has only been won twice by women - Mrs Tobin on "Barbar" in 1954 and Julia Dane on "Glass Onion" in 1982.

Record breaking has become an important feature of the race, especially since a multihull class was introduced in 1961. The course record in 1962 was set by Don Robertson at 5 hours 50 minutes. On the 50th anniversary of the race in 1986, things had speeded up and "Paragon", sailed by Mike Whipp and Olympic medallist Rodney Pattison, flew round in 3 hours 55 minutes and 28 seconds, creating a new record. This stood until 2001 when Francis Joyon and 'Idec' recorded a time of of 3 hours 8 minutes and 29 seconds - a record that was not beaten until 2013, when Sir Ben Ainslie helmed his AC45 catamaran to post the first sub-three-hour race with a time of 2 hours 52 minutes and 15 seconds. Three years later, Lloyd Thornburg's Phaedo^3 took an astonishing 30 minutes off this record, a time that was beaten in 2017 by 60 seconds when Ned Collier Wakefield finished the race in just 2 hours 22 minutes and 23 seconds on Concise 10.

Property developer and current record holder, Mike Slade has broken the monohull record on five occasions, firstly in 1991 sailing "Ocean Leopard". He then did 23 minutes better in 1996 sailing "Hoya Longabarda" and further improved in 2001 with "Skandia Life Leopard" at 4 hours 5 minutes and 40 seconds. The lively conditions in 2008 enabled him to break his own record once more in "ICAP Leopard", and the near-perfect conditions of 2013 allowed ICAP Leopard to shave a further 10 minutes off her own record, posting an elapsed time of 3 hours 43 minutes and 50 seconds.

Race management procedures have also become faster. In the early 1970s the General Electric Information Service Company began to organise race results, which meant the onerous task of calculating times and rating factors did not have to be carried out manually. A week before the race, the GEISCO equipment would arrive to be installed in the Club's reading room. It would take engineers a full day to set up the system and connect it to lines specially provided by the GPO. Results would not be calculated until the final deadline of 9.30pm, with the lucky winners called out by the Club Secretary the following morning.

A mixture of yachts skirt by the Needles in 1999 (photo:Cristel Clear)

21st Century information technology

Today, the results are processed by Next Generation Results who can ensure that hand-written finishing records reach the results room, still known as "The Bunker" despite Cowes Combined Clubs' excellent new facilities, within a matter of minutes. Competitors and spectators alike can see fast on-screen results flashed up on Event TV sites in Cowes or pick them up from around the world via the dedicated website. 2008 saw a march forward in technology when declarations could be made by mobile phone text messaging, sending the floating "dec barge" system into retirement.

This was followed by the introduction of GPS tracking in 2010 and the launch of the race's own dedicated broadcast TV channel, RTI-TV in 2015, allowing friends, family and sailing fans around the world to follow the race online. During this period, social media also became a popular communication platform amongst the younger generation, providing a quick and easy way to increase communication throughout the large Round the Island Race community.

In recent years the Round the Island Race has become a popular challenge for sailors at all levels of experience and abilities, attracting classic yachts such as the elegant J Class "Velsheda" as well as state-of-the-art, record-breaking greyhounds. Olympic gold medallists have tried their luck in the Sportsboat Rule and IRC classes, whilst grand old ladies of the sea, "Suhaili", "Gipsy Moth IV" and "Lively Lady", have given more modern designs a run for their money. The ISC Rating System division, for un-rated yachts, now exceeds the regular racers. For some of these sailors, this is their one race of the year and many use the event as a first taste of yacht racing. Entries come from all over the south and east coasts of England as well as from France, Belgium, Channel Islands and further afield. The event is reported in media across the world – from Brazil to Japan, Hungary to New Zealand.

The race often runs true to Cyril Windeler's original aspirations, with small boats, perhaps finishing well into the evening, carrying off the top prizes. This was true in 2005 when the 1978-built quarter-tonner "Purple Haze" came up trumps for skipper Tony Dodd. A year later Jeremy Rogers' Contessa 26 "Rosina of Beaulieu" became the only boat in the history of the race to win the Gold Roman Bowl three times.

Special competitors who completed the course in challenging conditions include 81 year old Wendy Ballantine, who sailed in the 25th, 50th and 75th editions of the event, and 90 year-old Ray Moxley, who raced his newly built 40' revolutionary catamaran in 2013. Owen Parker, Bob Fisher, Shirley Robertson, Ken Beken and many other devotees of the race included their memories in a special 75th anniversary publication, and in 2011 the race celebrated its 80th Anniverary with a special exhibition supported by the then title sponsor J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Click here for a copy of the 80th Anniversary Exhibition Brochure.

Charity fundraising has always been a fun and exciting part of the Race. Many charitable causes benefit, including the official Race charity, The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust raised £267k from their recent involvement, a sum that has enabled an additional 472 young people to join the Trust for a four day trip and 119 young people in recovery from Cancer to be able to sail in the Race. In total, the amount raised for good causes since 2010 has reached a fabulous sum of £500,000.

The 2020 Race and COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the Race being cancelled for the first time since World War II. It had been originally rescheduled from its late May date to the end of September, which would have been the first time the Race had been run at the end of the summer. However, the logistical issues surrounding the safe running of such a large event with the virus still present and circulating in the UK proved insurmountable, and it was with great regret that the 2020 edition of the iconic event was called off.

2021 - celebrating 90 years of Round the Island

The Round the Island Race celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2021. A retrospective on the Race , written by former Yachts & Yachting writers Malcolm McKeag and Barry Pickthall, was published in the June 2021 edition of Sailing Today.

Gold Roman Bowl winners

A complete list of winners of the Race's main trophy, the Gold Roman Bowl, is available here .

Live classified results for every class .

Pictures from the racetrack

All of the pictures from our offical race photographers, together with the best of the images submitted by our competitors.