The anticipation has started building after the Island Sailing Club (ISC) opened entries for the 2022 edition of Britain’s favourite yacht race, the Round the Island Race, on Saturday 25 June.
Race Director, David Atkinson says that last year – the 90th year of the race – expectations were exceeded when over 1,200 boats and 8,000 competitors enjoyed the event. It’s hoped to build on this success in 2022, and attract a wide range of boats from the UK and abroad to experience the race and famous onshore hospitality in Cowes.
The ISC and Race Team have welcomed leading innovation companies Marathon Watch and B&G as new Race Partners, and say that their support, along with that of long-standing partners Helly Hansen and Chelsea Magazines, will ensure a world-class event for sailors, spectators and followers.
Mitchell Wein, President of The Marathon Watch Company, said: “The iconic Round the Island Race encapsulates the spirit of adventure that Marathon Watch respects, and we’e delighted to be the Official Race Timekeeper Partner”.
The company’s luxury tool watch is known for withstanding the rigours of the sea, weather and water, and is trusted by some of the leading militaries in the world.
Meanwhile, B&G has been named as the Official Race Marine Electronics Partner, and its team of experts will be on-site to provide technical support to all the competitors, as well as hosting some exclusive webinars for participants to ensure they are getting the most out of their marine electronics in preparation for race day.
The ISC and its Race Partners have committed to working together on a sustainability plan for all aspects of the event, and Helly Hansen is introducing sailors to its most responsible sailing gear to date. New for 2022 is a range of sailing kit, which features in the Race Collection, made from a unique Ocean Bound recycled material that re-purposes abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear that would otherwise gather in the oceans.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust continues as Official Charity Partner for the race and Frank Fletcher, CEO, said that hundreds of young people living through and beyond cancer have been given the chance to believe in a brighter future thanks to the long-term partnership with the Round the Island Race.
“After the triumph of getting 315 young people back on board in 2021, this year we hope to welcome more than 600 young people on Trust trips across the UK” he said.
The race continues to live up to its reputation as a ‘Race for All’ – welcoming sailors from all over the world, with professionals, keen amateur crews, families and first-time racers all competing on the same racecourse.
To enter, go to the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk. Early Bird entries close on February 26, when the standard entry fee kicks in.