The date has been named for next year’s Round the Island Race. Britain’s favourite yacht race will start on Saturday 20th June off Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Entries for the race open on 22nd January 2009. The 50 mile race is organised by the Island Sailing Club with title sponsors J P Morgan Asset Management and race partners Bénéteau, Britannia Events, Dean & Reddyhoff, Nautica Watches, Old Pulteney Whisky, Raymarine, Red Funnel, St Margaret’s Direct and Volvo.

Records were broken in 2008. Not only did Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard achieve a new monohull race time but the race also attracted the biggest ever entry at 1,875. A fantastic £100,000 was also raised for charity.