The RNLI has been named as the official charity for this year’s Round the Island Race, and entries for the Isle of Wight event open later this month.

The annual race, which is organised by the Island Sailing Club (ISC) and was first launched more than 90 years ago, is scheduled to take place on June 15.

It is one of the largest yacht races in the world, routinely attracting more than 1,000 vessels and 6,000 crew members.

Safety of all participants is integral to the smooth running of the race.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cowes RNLI called into action. Cowes RNLI called into action. (Image: Nick Edwards/RNLI Cowes)

RNLI lifeboats from Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Mudeford, Lymington, Portsmouth and Yarmouth have all been involved in the running of the event for many years and are strategically positioned around the course.

Dave Atkinson, race director, said: “The race team, RNLI and Coastguard have worked closely together since the first Round the Island Race back in 1931.

“We are incredibly grateful for the safety cover and assistance that the RNLI station teams provide on race day, and so are especially pleased to announce that all the donations raised will go to the seven stations involved in the race, and specifically for the training of their volunteer crews.”

Isle of Wight County Press: Mark Southwell, ISC safety officer and Cowes RNLI volunteer Lifeboat operations manager.Mark Southwell, ISC safety officer and Cowes RNLI volunteer Lifeboat operations manager. (Image: Contributed.)

“2024 marks the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, and the vital funds raised will help the charity to continue to provide search and rescue services to all those on the water,” said a spokesperson for ISC.

“RNLI volunteers are ordinary people, doing extraordinary things to help others, and volunteer crews operate the lifeboats that support the race.

“They are all highly skilled and motivated, and ready and able to save lives, not only on race day, but 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Entries to this year’s Round the Island Race open on Friday, January 26.

Mark Southwell, ISC safety officer and Cowes RNLI volunteer Lifeboat operations manager, said: ‘If we have a safe race, we have a good race.

“Since I've been involved, my priority has been to ensure everyone running or supporting the race is involved, consulted, and listened to throughout the year.

“A key to success of search and rescue operations afloat is good communication, and it's no different ashore as we plan for the big day.”