Entry is now open for the 2021 Round the Island Race, which promises to be a welcome opportunity for many to get back on the water this summer The Needles is just one of the great vantage points from which to watch the Round the Island Race. Entries for the world-famous Round the Island Race 2021 opened at 00.01 this morning, 19 March.
\nOrganised by the Island Sailing Club, the Round the Island has always been one of
\nthe UK\u2019s largest participation sporting events and regularly attracts over 1,500 boats and thousands of sailors.
\nThis year the race will be held on 3 July and celebrates its 90th anniversary, and with so
\nmany high-profile events being cancelled, the event could well become one of the biggest events to be staged since the UK\u2019s first lockdown a year ago.
\nPhoto: Paul Wyeth
\nWhilst the majority of the boats will simply enjoy the challenge of getting all the way round, there will be many teams aiming to beat the existing course records.
\nThe current monohull record continues to be held by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard, who in the near-perfect conditions of 2013 posted an elapsed time of 3 hours 43 minutes and 50 seconds.
\nThe multihull class, introduced in 1961, generally achieves even faster times, as shown in 2017 when Ned Collier Wakefield\u2019s Concise10 flew round in just 2 hours 22 minutes and 23 seconds.
\nRob Peace, Rear Commodore for Sailing, ISC said \u201cThe Island Sailing Club are delighted to launch the 2021 Race. Sailors are desperate to get back out on their boats, and our race is perfectly timed and definitely provides a unique and thrilling experience for all of the crews. Over the past 90 years approximately 500,000 sailors and 70,000 boats have been challenged by this race \u2013 those are some impressive statistics!\u201d
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\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Round the Island Race \u2013 the history of Britain\u2019s favourite race<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen Major Cyril Windeler suggested to the Island Sailing Club that it should run a race round the Isle of\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tTop tracks in the Round the Island Race \u2013 how to find the best route<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most appealing features of the country\u2019s fourth biggest participation event is that you don\u2019t have to be\u2026<\/p>\n
David Atkinson, Race Director said \u201cThe focus for 2021 is on organising a great race on the water. While the UK Government\u2019s roadmap out of lockdown suggests we will be able to run some of our usual social activities ashore, we are very mindful of the possible need to avoid large gatherings over the race weekend.
\nNo decisions have been taken at this stage, and we will be updating our plans in line with the easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months.
\nNaturally, we expect those taking part to follow all of the current guidelines in place for the race, and we will be providing a summary of guidance from relevant authorities through a dedicated page on the event website.
\nWe will be asking everyone to check this regularly, familiarise themselves with the information and help make the event safe for us all.\u201d
\nIRC Division 3B competitor Nanna II rounds The Needles in the 2018 Round the Island Race. Photo: Paul Wyeth
\nThe ethos of a \u2018Race for All\u2019 continues at pace this year with the first Windeler Cup competition to set sail after the main fleet departs from Cowes, allowing small keelboat racers from the Daring, Dragon, Etchells, Flying Fifteen, Mermaid, Redwing, Sunbeam, Swallow, Sonar, Squib, RS Elite, Victory and XOD classes to join in the fun with an exciting Solent Race.
\nAlso, the race weekend is extended to welcome competitors from the rowing and kitesurfing worlds, who will enjoy their own Round the Island on the Thursday and Friday before the main sailing race on Saturday 3 July.
\nSpectators can enjoy a fantastic view of all the action from many points on the Island\u2019s breath-taking coastline. The organisers are working with Visit Isle of Wight to produce a comprehensive guide to the best \u2018fresh air\u2019 viewing spots with associated public transport, parking, facilities and refreshment information.
\nThe race continues to be supported by official partners Chelsea Magazines, Helly Hansen, Haven Knox-Johnston (previously MS Amlin Insurance) and Raymarine.
\nMeanwhile, the Round the Island Race continues to support and fundraise for its official charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The Trust\u2019s amazing work is focused on rebuilding confidence of young people after cancer, through sailing and adventure.
\nTo enter Britain\u2019s favourite race, go to the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk. For all the latest news follow on social media and please use hashtags #RIR21, #90years and #RaceForAll.
\nIf you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
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The post Round the Island Race: Entries now open appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Entry is now open for the 2021 Round the Island Race, which promises to be a welcome opportunity for many to get back on the water this summer The Needles is just one of the great vantage points from which … <\/p>\n