View from the Squadron of the start of Round the Island Race 2026 in Cowes with judges looking out to sea
© Paul Wyeth

Round the Island Race hailed as one of the best in years

This year’s ‘exceptional’ Round the Island Race has been hailed as one of the best in years.

Over 800 boats gathered at the Royal Yacht Squadron line yesterday morning (Saturday) for the 95th edition of the iconic race.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said,

“It has been an amazing day and a terrific race.

“We’ve been wishing for good weather for years, and today has really delivered for us, as we’ve had fantastic sunshine and a good breeze.

“The sight of all the spinnakers up for the start was one to behold, and really showed the race in all its glory.”

Pace, owned by Jonny Vincent, was the first boat to finish, in an elapsed time of 06:32:39.

Jonny said,

“What a great day and a great race.

“It was hard work going down the mainland shore at the start, and there was a really funky bit around The Needles, which was a bit tricky.

“We stayed pretty close to the Island shore but so nice to head back into the sunshine.”

The bulk of the fleet were continuing to cross the line after 6pm.

Prizegiving took place at the Race Village this morning.

Results are available on the website.


News shared by Matt on behalf of Round the Island Race. Ed