Round Island Race 2012 Boat Charters

The 2012 Round the Island Race of the Isle of Wight is run by the Island Sailing Club. It is a single day yacht race around the Isle of Wight, an island that borders the Solent on the south coast of England. The race in 2011 had over 1,900 boats and around 16,000 sailors taking part, 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, other parts of Europe and as far away as the USA to follow the 50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight. Starting on the famous 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.

Round Island Race Rib Charter

Spectators can find many vantage points, both on the mainland and Isle of Wight, to watch the race progress. The first start in Cowes is at 5am but you can find more information about where the boats will be at different times during the day by clicking here. Those who cannot get to watch in person can keep an eye on the race’s progress on the official website, via the live text commentary.

The race is a great opportunity to watch world-renowned sailors racing against families and first time racers. Although the majority of the fleet will take many hours to complete the race, the course records stand at 3hrs 53mins 05secs for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2008, and 3hrs 08mins 29secs for a multihull boat, set by Francis Joyon in 2001.

The 2012 race will be held on 30th June 2012.