EXCITEMENT right across the Isle of Wight is building for the iconic and globally popular Round the Island Race which gets underway in just a week's time.

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The event, organised by the Island Sailing Club (ISC), starts on Saturday, July 1.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Round the Island Race is an incredible spectacle for thousands every year.The Round the Island Race is an incredible spectacle for thousands every year.

The prestigious, challenging race, regularly attracts a diverse range of sailors from
around the world, from professional racing teams, keen amateur racers and families ready for an enjoyable day out on the water.

Sailors will follow the same 50-nautical mile course which circumnavigates the Isle of Wight in an anti-clockwise direction, which starts and finishes at Cowes.

Record breaking round the world Cowes sailor, Dame Ellen MacArthur, will be competing on behalf of her Island-based charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Another celebrity involved will be broadcaster, writer and Cowes resident, Alan Titchmash, who has the honour of firing the cannons at The Royal Yacht Squadron to start the race — run by the ISC for more than 90 years — at 8am.

 

Alan said: “I'm delighted to have been asked to start one of the highlights in the Isle of Wight calendar.

READ MORE: Isle of Wight's Ellen MacArthur in Round the Island Race

"The Round the Island Race is very special and I wish every participant fair winds and a calm sea. Bon voyage!”

ISC race director, David Atkinson, echoed his sentiments.

“We are delighted to welcome such a hugely varied fleet this year — both returning and new competitors," he said.

"It’s such a great opportunity for race crews to test their sailing skills, teamwork and strategy, as well as having a great day on the water.

Isle of Wight County Press: This is the prize every top sailor wants to tick off their bucket list.This is the prize every top sailor wants to tick off their bucket list. (Image: County Press)

"There’s going to be a real battle for line honours this year and we can’t wait to see who will lift the hugely coveted Gold Roman Bowl. 

"The long-range forecast is looking favourable and we’re hoping everyone will enjoy this spectacular race.”

Behind the scenes, more than 150 volunteers played essential roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the event.

Event organisers will run a live race blog on their website, which will provide a
running commentary on the progress of the race, including photos and video clips from 8am through to the finish.

Isle of Wight County Press: TV favourite Alan Titchmarsh will have the important role of starting the Round the Island Race with, quite literally, a bang next Saturday.TV favourite Alan Titchmarsh will have the important role of starting the Round the Island Race with, quite literally, a bang next Saturday. (Image: Neil Hepworth)

Meanwhile, their Race Viewer tracking system will be monitoring the position of all 1,100 boats taking part, so you can see exactly where your favourite boats are on the 'racetrack'.

The official Race Village will be open to all and free, hosted by the ISC at Cowes Yacht Haven, from 5pm next Friday, and live bands from 6pm on Saturday.