THE Round the Island Race will still take place, but not until September.

It has been pushed back due to coronavirus.

The Island Sailing Club, which runs the popular event that sees more than a thousand boats competing for the fastest circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, crewed by amateur and professional sailors, said it had taken the difficult decision to reschedule until September 26.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust's crew in 2019
 
Dave Atkinson, Race Director said: "This has not been an easy decision for us to make.

"We will shortly be issuing a revised Notice of Race incorporating the various date and timing changes, but in all other respects we expect to run the Race exactly as planned.

"Our online entry system remains open as usual, and while none of us quite knows what the next few months have in store, we do hope that you will still be excited by the prospect of an early autumn Round the Island Race and taking part in what is sure to be a rather unique occasion.

"In the meantime, everyone here at the Island Sailing Club sends you and your loved ones our very best wishes in these difficult circumstances and we look forward to seeing you on the start line on 26 September.”