WITH 78 days still to go before the annual JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, entries already top 800.
The race is organised by the Island Sailing Club, and as one of the most popular fixtures on the Solent racing calendar, is a favourite with Royal Southampton members. Competitors also come from Europe and the USA, as well as all over the UK, to follow the 50 mile course round the Isle of Wight.
One of the unique aspects of the race is the amazing range of craft that enter - from classic gaffers to one off racers.
Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races westabout, to The Needles, round St Catherine's Point and Bembridge Ledge buoy back into the Solent. Spectators can find many vantage points, both on the mainland and Isle of Wight, to watch the race progress.
This year's race is on Saturday, June 28.
Fundraising for charity has become an increasingly important aspect of the event and last year more than £70,000 was raised for the race’s four charities - Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate UK and The Ellen MacArthur Trust.
Over 60 prizes are awarded for the event and every boat completing the race receives a memento of the occasion.
