Round the Island Race

Round the Island Race: Best vantage points to witness the excitement

The grey and wet weather of today (Friday) should be clearing overnight for a hot and sunny day on Saturday, with a decent breeze for sailors taking part in the annual Round the Island Race.

The first boats will set off at 8am from Cowes, racing their way around the Island in an anti-clockwise direction. There are eleven separate groups, starting every ten minutes up until 9.30am.

Vantage points
For those watching from the shore, there are plenty of vantage points the Isle of Wight that are perfect for watching the 1,100 boats race by.

Organisers have published a spectators’ guide (embedded below for your convenience), and News OnTheWight share the table below of viewing points and timings.

Vantage PointApprox TimingsHow to get there
Cowes Start0800 - 0930Via Ward Ave., Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Sconce Point0930 - 1200From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria
The Needles1000 - 1330From Freshwater or Totland follow signs to the Needles Car Park. Park and walk up West High Down to Needles Battery. Best view to south of Coast Guard Station.
Chilton Chine1045 - 1400From Freshwater or Totland follow signs to the Needles Car Park. Park and walk up West High Down to Needles Battery. Best view to south of Coast Guard Station.
St. Catherine's Point1130 - 1530From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.
Ventnor1145 - 1600Park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade.
Bonchurch1200 - 1630Take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is the best view.
Culver Down1230 - 1730From Brading, take Bembridge road. After 1 mile, turn right and follow sign for Culver (on a bend, and lane hairpins up!)
Ryde Pier1330 - 1830From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking is free for 30 mins, charges apply after that
Cowes Finish0930 - 2000Via Ward Ave., Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Best of luck to all those taking part.

Visit Round the Island Race Website for more information.


Image: © Paul Wyeth