First sailed in 1931, the Round the Island race has now grown into an annual event attracting roughly 1,800 yachts from maxi rated racing yachts to the smallest sports dayboats, from speedy multihulls to sedate old timers. Yachts still compete for the Gold Roman Bowl, the legendary trophy presented by the race’s founder Cyril Windeler. This spectacular event is really all about taking part – looking back on a run round the back of the Island at literally hundreds of spinnakers is not a sight that you will forget in a hurry!

The Round the Island Race is one of the world's biggest yacht races, and with its 55 nautical mile course anti-clockwise around the Isle of Wight, westwards from Cowes, allows for plenty of tactical gain or loss due to wind and tide. The starting signals will be made from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes during the early part of Saturday morning and lining up with 100 or so other yachts all crowded together on the line at the same time is sure to make your heart pound a little more quickly! Sailing times vary depending on wind and yacht, but expect to cross the finishing line sometime in the early or late afternoon.



You can join one of our yachts on an individual berth basis or you can charter a wholeboat for family or friends. Sitting at work? Why not organise a weekend with your work colleagues or clients and be part of one of the great British sporting events of the summer? We can organise a tailored package for a group or for individuals, including training days, on board catering, racing or cruising sails: contact us and we will help to make your event a reality.