Round the Island Race overview

When?

7th June

Where?

Cowes, Isle of Wight

How much is it to take part?

Starts from £140
(Early bird prices)

What is it?

The Round the Island Race (RTIR), organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight (50.1 nautical mile course). With over 1,700 boats and approximately 16,000 sailors, this is one of the largest yacht races in the world!

Competitors come from all over the UK, other parts of Europe and as far away as the USA. The race starts on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, where the fleet of boats race westabout, to The Needles, round St Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge buoy, and back into the Solent to the finish line at Cowes.

As a spectator, you can find plenty of vantage points, both on the mainland and the island itself, to watch the race progress. If you can’t watch in person, you can always keep an eye on the race’s progress on their website and Facebook page.

A fleet of colorful sailboats with spinnakers hoisted competes in a regatta on a sunny day, observed by people from a dock.

What can you expect?

View the course map for useful information and handy vantage points
Cowes Race Village – bars and food court
Live music and entertainment

When is it?

Round the Island Race 2025 will take place on Saturday, 7thJune.

Click here for more information

FAQs

Where is Round the Island Race held?

Round the Island Race is organised by the Island Sailing Club and the heart of the race and entertainment is held in the Race Village, Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight

How many nautical miles is RTIR?

50.1 Nautical Miles

What is the current record time to completing the race?

3h 43m 50s for a monohull and 2h 22m 23s for a multihull.

When was the first Round the Island Race?

In 1930 Major Cyril Windeler suggested a handicap race around the Isle of Wight which catered for smaller boats. The first actual Round the Island Race took place in 1931 with 25 entries! Read more here

What is the main prize handed out?

There are approximately 100 trophies and cups awarded each year. The most famous is the Gold Roman Bowl which is awarded to the overall winner of the race.

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