THE iconic Round the Island Race — the biggest sailing event on the Isle of Wight calendar — is underway and not only is it a bucket‑list challenge for sailors, but also one of the Island’s most impressive sporting spectacles for fans watching from on shore.
Thousands of competitors are expected to descend on Cowes for the famous race today (Saturday).
Drawing a mix of Olympians, professional race teams, seasoned amateurs and family crews, the event consistently ranks among the most popular yacht races in the world.
Competitors will tackle a 50‑nautical‑mile course, sailed anti‑clockwise around the Island — starting and finishing in Cowes.
With more than 100 trophies up for grabs, teams will be pushing for podium finishes, record times, or simply the satisfaction of completing the demanding, exhilarating course.
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For those staying on land, the Island offers plenty of excellent viewing spots as the fleet makes its way around the coastline.
The race gets under way off Cowes between 7am and 9am.
Early risers will be rewarded with prime views from the Parade and The Green on either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Spectators can access these areas via Ward Avenue, Baring Road and Castle Hill.
After the start, the fleet heads west towards Yarmouth, coming into view from Sconce Point between 8am and 11.30am.
And Fort Victoria offers an ideal vantage point, reached by driving towards Freshwater from Yarmouth, turning right after half a mile and following the signs.
Between 9am and midday, boats round The Needles in one of the most dramatic stages of the race.
The best views are from West High Down, accessed via the Needles Car Park, with the prime spot located just south of the Coastguard Station near the Needles Battery.
As the race continues along the south coast, yachts pass Chilton Chine from 9.45am to 12.30pm, before heading to St Catherine’s Point, where they race past the lighthouse between 10.30am and 3pm.
And La Falaise car park in Ventnor offers excellent views from late morning through to around 4pm, followed shortly by Bonchurch, where spectators can watch from the seafront, via Shore Road.
Further east, Culver Down provides sweeping views of the fleet between 11am and 4.45pm.
For the closing stages, Ryde Pier is the best place to see the action, as boats approach the finish to Cowes, from midday through until around 7pm.
The Albion Hotel in Freshwater, The Terrace in Ventnor, Bembridge Coast Hotel and The Dell in Ryde will all run special offers on race day, giving guests the chance to watch it in style from some of the best vantage points.
A bigger Race Village on Cowes Parade will also be open during the race weekend.
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