Entry open for 2022 Round the Island Race
by Jo Bowden 28 Jan 00:01 GMT
25 June 2022
The fleet at The Needles - Round the Island Race © Paul Wyeth
The Island Sailing Club (ISC) has announced that entries are now open for the 2022 edition of Britain's favourite yacht race, the Round the Island Race, which is being held on Saturday 25 June.
Race Director, David Atkinson commented: "In 2021, the 90th year of the race, our expectations were exceeded when we welcomed over 1,200 boats and 8,000 competitors, who enjoyed an absolutely magical extravaganza on the waters around the Isle of Wight. We hope to build on this success and attract a wide range of boats from the UK and abroad to experience the race and hopefully onshore hospitality in Cowes this year.
"The ISC and Race Team are delighted to welcome leading innovation companies Marathon Watch and B&G as new Race Partners. Their support, alongside our long-standing partners Helly Hansen and Chelsea Magazines, will make a big difference and ensure we stage a world-class event for the many 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 are delighted to be the Official Race Timekeeper Partner of the 2022 race. We are proud to support the organisers and to play a part in a race that is both for the elite boats, as well as the family sailors, challenging themselves. Our luxury tool watch can withstand the rigours of the sea, weather and water, and at the same time, looks good in any setting. With over 80 years of combining Swiss manufacturing and Canadian design, our aim is to continue making one of the best tool watches in the category. The product is trusted by some of the leading militaries in the world and is built for the long run."
B&G is thrilled to be named as the Official Race Marine Electronics Partner. B&G's 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.
Simon Conder, Head of Global Brand at B&G said: "Our racing heritage gives us an unrivalled platform for developing new technology, offering educational tutorials on specific features for racing hosted by B&Gs experts which will offer a real insight into the capabilities of the electronics, designed specifically for sailing. The Round the Island Race is such a renowned event attracting hundreds of sailors of all levels, it's a great opportunity to meet the participants and get their feedback first-hand on how they are using the B&G products across the fleet, hear their stories and of course to enjoy the great atmosphere and racing on show."
The race continues to live up to its reputation as a 'Race for All' - welcoming sailors from all over the world, with professional sailors, keen amateur crews, families and first-time racers competing on the same racecourse. John Oleshko competed for the first time in 2021 on Preferita, a Salona 380 and said: "a huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard under difficult circumstances to make the race happen so successfully. Incredible organisation and efficiency, a brilliant day even as a poorly skilled crew member. Wonderful to see the breadth and depth of the sailing fraternity on the water, an absolutely amazing day."
The ISC and its Race Partners have committed to working together on a sustainability plan for all aspects of the event. Emma Russell, Marketing Manager for Helly Hansen said: "We know that sailors taking part in the race love the ocean as much as we do, so we are proud to introduce them to our 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. This is made by repurposing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear that would otherwise gather in our oceans."
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust continues to be the Official Charity Partner for the race. Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, said: "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 and the wonderful crews that support us. The past two years have been the most challenging of the Trust's history, so we are incredibly grateful for the continued support this year. 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. You are making this possible so thank you."
To enter Britain's favourite race, go to the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk. Early Bird entries will close on Saturday 26 February 2022 when the standard entry fee kicks in. For all the latest news on social media @roundtheisland and #RoundTheIsland #RaceForAll.