SOLENT SUMMER RACING Round the Island Race Cowes Week

Island Sailing Club announced that entries are open for the 2023 edition of the Round the Island Race, which is being held on Saturday 1 July.

Race Director David Atkinson said:“We can’t wait for this year’s edition of the race; I’ve ordered a moderate south-westerly breeze and lots of sunshine! I’d say if you only race once this year, make it Round the Island Race – we guarantee you’ll have a wonderful time with your friends and family. Our team will be there to support all the competitors as they plan their race, including some great online tools such as blogs, videos and webinars. We know everyone loves to continue the fun onshore after the race so we’re planning some après-race parties on Saturday evening.

“For those getting competitive or even out to break some records, we have our world-class race technology, o ering real-time tracking and an incredibly speedy results service online.”

B&G is the O cial Race Marine Electronics Partner for a second year, with its team of experts hosting webinars to help people get the most out of their electronics as they prepare for race day. B&G experts will also be on-site in the run-up to the start, to assist with any last-minute queries.

Tracy Cox, Global Brand Manager at B&G, said:“Our team of experts will be delivering tutorials and unpacking specific features to o er real insights into the capabilities of the electronics on-board.”

Emma Russell, Marketing Manager for Helly Hansen in the UK and Ireland, commented: “We work closely with professionals and enthusiasts to develop our collections, and our latest Summer Collection has been designed with feedback from professional sailors to ensure those participating in the race can belong in the moment and stay and feel alive. We wish everyone the best of luck in the race!”

For race information, the Notice of Race and to enter, visit roundtheisland.org.uk

Cowes Week entries are open, with the 2023 regatta running from Saturday 29 July to the prizegiving on Friday 4 August.

Now 197 years young, Cowes Week expects to welcome more than 500 boats racing in 37 di erent classes this year, ranging from an anticipated 30 Cape 31s, to the competitive XOD class, with 50 boats expected.

Regatta Director Laurence Mead said: “We are a little later opening entries this year than previous years, but we still have a Super Early Bird discount period as we seek to keep the regatta as a ordable as possible. We have invested further over the winter on our course setting software and remain focused on delivering world-class regatta racing. Whichever class, our course setters work hard to deliver quality racing from club cruisers right up to IRC Class One.”

Bob Trimble, Chairman of Cowes Combined Clubs, said: “It takes a lot of volunteers to make Cowes Week happen every year, but the nine constituent clubs that make up Cowes Combined Clubs pool their resources into what remains a bucket list regatta for people throughout the world. Cowes Week will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026 and we are already working on plans for this landmark event, but with the issue of the Notice of Race, all eyes are on this year.” cowesweek.co.uk