10th edition of Sail the Wight

East Cowes Sailing Club, in conjunction with the Westerly Owners' Association, is extending an open invitation to yacht owners to join the annual Sail the Wight sponsored charity race and cruise in company east-about around the Isle of Wight, on Saturday 6th June 2015.

Sail the Wight has so far raised over £30,000 for deserving local charities, and it is hoped that this year's event will be one of the biggest yet.

There are 3 classes, with classes 1 and 2 starting from the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron Line, Cowes, going East, the first start is 07.00 hrs. Class 3 has a 10.00 hrs start for boats preferring a shorter inshore Solent course. Class 3 will start from the East Cowes Sailing Club line.

Participating yachts in classes 1 and 2 will replicate the winning course of the yacht "America", winner of the Royal Yacht Squadron's annual 100 Guinea Cup race in 1851, east-about race around the Isle of Wight. As you are no doubt aware the 1851 race programme was advertised as rounding the Nab Buoy and then the Isle of Wight, leaving all to Starboard but this was not what was printed by the RYS on the instruction cards and whilst the four leaders tacked away to round the Nab lightship, local pilot Robert Underwood aboard "America" directed "America's" Skipper to pass the Nab Buoy to Port saving a very considerable distance. "America" took the lead and held it to win the race.

The Sail the Wight full east-about circumnavigation race and cruise in company of the Isle of Wight is a voyage of roughly 55 nautical miles. The shorter Class 3 course takes in roughly 12 nautical miles of the Solent and will be as far as possible configured in the shape of the Island.

Following on from a good day's sailing all skippers, crews, family and friends are invited to East Cowes Sailing Club for an evening celebration and awards presentation with bar, BBQ and music into the night.

Dave Casson, Commodore of East Cowes Sailing Club said of the event: "While I anticipate a great day on the water, whether racing or cruising in company, the main objective of "Sail the Wight" is to raise as much money as possible for the Charity, through entry fees and by individual boats and crews obtaining sponsorship."

Ben Rust, Fundraising Coordinator at Age UK Isle of Wight said: "We're really looking forward to this year's Sail the Wight and are incredibly grateful for the continued support of East Cowes Sailing Club, as well as all of the hard work that the voluntary committee and community put in to help make it such a great event. As a local, independent charity the community support means a lot to us and all of the money raised stays on the Island. All of the funds raised from Sail the Wight will help local older people to make the most of their later years and lead positive and fulfilling lives."

Entry Details

Notice of Race Entry, and sponsorship forms are available to download now from www.sailthewight.org.uk, or from Age UK IW on (01983) 525282 or .

Entry is £20 per boat and in addition to the place prizes a prize will be awarded to the crew raising the most sponsorship.

Follow Sail the Wight on Twitter @Sail_the_Wight and facebook.com/SailtheWight to get the most up to date information regarding this year's event.