Sailors of all descriptions, young and old, newcomers and professionals, are gathering in Cowes for what promises to be another classic edition of the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.
The action starts tomorrow morning (Saturday) when Prince Michael of Kent GCVO will join Race officials on the Royal Yacht Squadron platform to fire the cannon at 08.30am.
Windy forecast
Gusts of up to 25 knots are expected at St Catherine’s Point, the Island’s southern extremity, giving the largest multihulls a chance of breaking Ben Ainslie’s record.
Ned Collier Wakefield, skipper of the giant MOD70 Concise 10, said,
“We had a great time on our practice day yesterday, sailing round the Island in two hours 40 minutes. For sure, tomorrow will be quick, but we don’t know yet if it will be record worthy conditions.”
Spectating: Where and when
If you’re not out on the water, you’ll want to watch the annual spectacle from the land.
Below are the times you can expect boats to be passing wherever you are.
Cowes start line: 0830-1110
Cowes finish line : 1230-2200
Via Ward Avenue, Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Sconce Point : 1000-1230
From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria.
The Needles : 1030-1300
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 : 1115-1430
Situated on the cliffs near Brighstone is Chilton Chine (accessible from the Military Road). It has a terrific view of the boats as they sail by.
St Catherine’s Point : 1200-1600
From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.
Ventnor : 1215-1630
Park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade.
Bonchurch : 1230-1700
Take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is best view.
Culver Down : 1300-1830
From Brading, take Bembridge road. After 1 mile, turn right and follow sign for Culver (on a bend, and lane hairpins up!)
Ryde Pier : 1400-2000
From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking for 1 hour.
If you share any photos ton social media tomorrow, don’t forget to include the hashtag #RTIR and #raceforall
Image: © Paul Wyeth
