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 Point | Approx Timings | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Cowes Start | 0800 - 0930 | Via Ward Ave., Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron. |
| Sconce Point | 0930 - 1200 | From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria |
| The Needles | 1000 - 1330 | From 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 Chine | 1045 - 1400 | From 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 Point | 1130 - 1530 | From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse. |
| Ventnor | 1145 - 1600 | Park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade. |
| Bonchurch | 1200 - 1630 | Take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is the best view. |
| Culver Down | 1230 - 1730 | From Brading, take Bembridge road. After 1 mile, turn right and follow sign for Culver (on a bend, and lane hairpins up!) |
| Ryde Pier | 1330 - 1830 | From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking is free for 30 mins, charges apply after that |
| Cowes Finish | 0930 - 2000 | Via 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
