The Island Sailing Club’s Round the Isle of Wight race will take place next year on Saturday 23rd June and with the start sequence scheduled earlier so competitors can make best use of the favourable tide from Cowes down to The Needles.

Traditionally, the first start has been no earlier than 6am but following feedback from competitors, as reported in Yachting Monthly (August issue) it has been decided to bring this forward to 5am in 2007.

 The Island Sailing Club is also continuing consultation with the relevant authorities with a view to condensing appropriate sections of the starting sequence.

 Peter Dickson, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club, said: ‘For the past two years we have had very light conditions for the initial stage of the race, so a fair tide on the line has been all-important. The earlier start will benefit all competitors, in particular ensuring that the last class to start will have at least 3 hours of fair tide to reach The Needles.’

 
The JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is open to regular racers and newcomers alike. Online entries open on 5th January 2007. In 2006 over 70% of entries were received this way via the dedicated website www.roundtheisland.org.uk.