Over 800 boats will take their place on the start line for Saturday’s Round the Island Race.
The iconic race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line at Cowes, with a staggered start from 7am, with various classes setting off every ten minutes.
The conditions are expected to be the best the race has seen in a number of years.
Race Director, Dave Atkinson, said: “The forecast looks amazing for the race and the winds look like being the best we’ve had for some time. That’s great news for the competitors and for the spectators watching the race from the shore. We’re very much looking forward to it and excited to welcome everybody on Saturday.”
As ever, the 50-nautical mile race will involve competitors from all over the globe, combining elite sailors with amateur crews of family and friends.
The fleet will head west from Cowes towards The Needles, before arriving back in Cowes via St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Bembridge and Ryde.
The course record for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2013, is 3h 43m 50s, while Ned Collier Wakefield set the multihull record of 2h 22m 23s in 2017, on Concise 10.
This weekend’s conditions mean there is potential for a new race record to be set.
For spectators, there are also many ways to enjoy the race.
The Race Village on Cowes Parade is open all weekend, with live entertainment on offer from Friday night after the race briefing, from 6pm.
The Albion in Freshwater, The Terrace in Ventnor, Warner Bembridge Coast Hotel and The Dell Café at Appley, Ryde, are all official race venues, with special deals on food and drink throughout the day.
After the race, on Saturday night, the England versus Norway World Cup match will also be shown on the big screen in the Race Village, with live music, bars and food outlets on offer.
Dave added: “We’ve always believed the Round the Island Race is an event for everyone. You don’t have to sail to enjoy the race because it’s an amazing spectacle in its own right, it brings people together and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate something really special on the Island."
For information about Round the Island Race 2026, including a live blog during the race, visit roundtheisland.org.uk
