AN exciting new rowing race has been launched by the organisers of the postponed Round the Island Race.

Organised by the Island Sailing Club and The Bubbleheads rowing team, the event will be held on September 24.

Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line, Cowes, ocean-going rowing boats will circumnavigate the Isle of Wight’s 65 nautical miles.

There will be five or more teams competing, including The Bubbleheads, Minds Matter, Atlantic Titan, Team HPF and Emergensea Girls.

The Bubbleheads crew — who will use the race as preparation for a transatlantic crossing later this year — is made up of four divers, who aim to raise money for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Dave Atkinson, Round the Island Race director, said: “It will be interesting to see how quickly they can complete the course and set a record for it.”

The Round the Island Race, expected to attract more than 1,000 yachts, has been rescheduled from May 30 to Saturday, September 26.