Isle of Man sailors are celebrating their diamond jubilee this year. The Manx Sailing and Cruising Club (MS&CC) Round the Island Yacht Race has been run from Ramsey since 1953.

During the race’s history there have only been two years when the race could not be held, in 2001 due to foot and mouth and in 2003 due to adverse weather: no mean feat for a 60 year old yacht race.

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Round the Island race there is an action packed weekend planned including a mix of racing, social events and supporting the crews when they finish. Starting on Saturday 4 May, registration will be open from 17.00 – 20.00 (BST) and the launch BBQ will be fired up at 19.00 (BST) to welcome all the visiting crews and local participants to the race.

The first starting guns will be sounded from Ramsey South Stone Pier, Isle of Man on Sunday 5 May at 07.30 (BST) which will indicate the start of up to 27 hour long race to complete the 65 nautical mile circumnavigation of the Isle of Man in its entirety.

Many onlookers then make their way up to the Point of Ayre to witness the yachts tackling the tidal race and challenging coastline before making their way down the west coast of the island to Peel.

On Monday 6 May the presentation will be from 13.00 at the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club.

The MS&CC would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the 2013 sponsors and looks forward to welcoming members and visitors to the race to support the MS&CC Diamond Jubilee Round the Island race 2013.

Entry forms are available to download from the club’s website at: www.msandcc.org.