One month to go until Round the Island Race
by Matt White 7 May 23:47 NZST
7 June 2025
Needles rounding during the Round the Island Race © Paul Wyeth /
www.pwpictures.com
One of sailing's most iconic races is just a month away, and there's still time to be part of it. Over 600 boats have already signed up for this year's Round the Island Race, which takes place on Saturday 7th June.
The 50-nautical mile race circumnavigates the Isle of Wight, involving competitors from all over the globe. Entries are open until Wednesday 4th June, with cheaper, standard entry fees available until 24th May.
Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said:
"As always, we're very excited about the race and really looking forward to welcoming everybody," he said.
"It's a very special day to be part of, so whether you've taken part before or thinking about it for the first time, we would love you to be there with us."
Setting off from the famous Royal Yacht Squadron Line, this year from 7.30am, the event is known for bringing together world-renowned sailors with families and first-time racers.
The course record for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2013, is 3h 43m 50s, while Ned Collier Wakefield set the multihull record of 2h 22m 23s in 2017, on Concise 10.
Island Sailing Club Commodore Tim Devlin, who has raced nearly every year since 2010, said:
"The race itself is different each year but regardless of the conditions, we all enjoy a good day's sailing.
"Being out on the water, the spectacle as hundreds of spinnakers are unfurled, and the companionship of the fleet going round make it very special."
In addition to the race, entertainment will be on offer in the Race Village on Cowes Parade throughout the weekend and a special 2025 race collection from Helly Hansen is also available to buy, alongside other Round the Island merchandise.
For all the race details and to sign up, visit roundtheisland.org.uk