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Round the Island Race - Overview

Britain's favourite yacht race

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 nautical mile course). RTIR can attract cover 1,400 boats and approximately 15,000 sailors and known as 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.

What can you expect?

View the spectator guide for helpful and handy vantage points
Cowes Race Village – Bars and Food Court
Live Music

When is the next one?

RTIR 2022 will take place on Saturday, 25th June. The Island Sailing Club have organised the official Race Village, this year in partnership with the Cowes Yacht Haven. A perfect place to enjoy some drinks and food with the family or if entering the race, with your crew.

The village is free to enter and includes a large bar and food court offering a variety of options.

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 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. Read more here

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