Round the Island Race: Best places to watch the 1,210 boats race by

It’s going to be a hot and sunny day for the sailors taking part in this year’s Round the Island Race.

Best of luck to the 1,210 boats entered into the race (132 less than in 2017, which saw 1,342 entries), the first two fleets have already crossed the line.

Conditions are fair for the sailors, a lot better than last year, which saw virtually no wind and many boats having to retire early. Sailors can expect an east-southeasterly flow until around 3pm today when it changes .

Where to watch
Here’s a guide provided by race organisers of the best places to watch the World’s largest yacht race.

COWES Start	0730 - 0910	Via Ward Ave., Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron
SCONCE POINT	0900 - 1130	From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria.
THE NEEDLES	0930 - 1200	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	1015 - 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.
ST. CATHERINE’S POINT	1100 - 1500	From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.
VENTNOR	1115 - 1530	Park on Cliffs at West End of Esplanade.
BONCHURCH	1130 - 1600	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	1200 - 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	1300 - 1900	From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking for 1 hour.
COWES Finish	1130 - 2300	Via Ward Ave., Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.