The Round The Island race was first sailed in 1931, and the race still competes for the Gold Roman Bowl, the legendary trophy presented by the race’s founder Cyril Windeler.

The race which starts and finishes off Cowes and circumnavigates the Isle of Wight, attracts around 1500 entries a year. With entries ranging from world record beating giant catamarans to small cruising yachts, the race has a unique feel that appeals to a diverse range of yachtsmen and women. To see the course follow this link

The event is hosted by The Island Sailing Club who manage the race entries, look after safety, communications and race promotion.

Although the race itself has a very simple course – anticlockwise around the Isle of Wight – there are still a few rules. To view the racing instructions click here.

Collisions although uncommon do occur and with so many yachts in one place it is inevitable that there will be the odd scrape. Start times are staggered relevant to handicap, to find your start time click here.

This year’s entry list includes Velsheda the beautiful J Class built in 1933, Leopard of London Mike Slade’s 98-footer fully repaired after nearly sinking and being abandoned mid-Atlantic, and rising star Emma Richards will be on board Timberland Europrix.

Also making a come-back will be the famous duo, Suhali and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Knox-Johnston, who holds the record of being the first to single-handedly circumnavigate the world non-stop, will, this time, circumnavigate the Isle of Wight with a full compliment of Yachting Monthly crew.

Suhali will be in good company, her length means she will be at home with the other competitors all enjoying a fun race with a light-hearted atmosphere.


For more information about the event click on to http://www.islandsc.org.uk/rtir/