The Island Sailing Club is proud to have organised the globally renowned Round the Island Race for over 90 years.
The annual Round the Island Race, is something of a unique event in the sporting calendar and is the fourth largest mass participation event in the UK (after the London Marathon, Great North and South Runs). It’s rare to find a sporting occasion that encourages enthusiastic amateurs to compete against the elite pros and Olympians of a sport, all on an equal footing and around the same racecourse. This race does just that and celebrates the varied collection of sailors that compete, all of whom love to have a cracking day out on the water.
Few things can compare to the sight of hundreds of boats racing, whether you’re within the fleet yourself or spectating onshore from one of the many excellent vantage points on the stunning Isle of Wight coastline. The 2026 race will take place on the weekend of the 10th – 12th July, with the race start from the Royal Yacht Squadron at 0730hrs on the 11th July.
EARLY WEATHER REPORTS LOOKING GOOD
Our meteorologists give suggestions of Champagne sailing
The latest outlook for Saturday 11 July 2026, the day of the race, suggests warm, largely dry weather across the Isle of Wight as high pressure becomes established over southern England. While high pressure generally brings settled conditions, the exact wind strength and direction remain the key factors for competitors and could still change in the days leading up to the race. Current guidance indicates lighter to moderate winds are more likely than strong conditions, with above-average temperatures expected.
Wind direction will have a significant influence on tactics around the 50-nautical-mile course. If the breeze is from the southwest or west, competitors can expect a beat from Cowes towards the Needles, followed by faster reaching conditions along the south coast before another tactical section approaching Bembridge Ledge. Should the wind turn easterly, the race dynamic would be almost completely reversed, rewarding different sail choices and positioning. Air pressure is equally important: a stable, high-pressure system usually produces lighter, steadier winds, making tidal strategy and boat speed through the water more important than heavy-weather boat handling. Conversely, falling pressure would indicate an approaching weather system, increasing the likelihood of stronger, shifting winds and rougher seas. As always, sailors should monitor the official race weather updates closely, as forecasts for the Solent and around the Isle of Wight can change rapidly in the final 24–48 hours before the start
“whilst our professional meteorologists provide us with guidance around a long forecast we encourage all skippers to keep a close eye on our weather updates and trusted online apps. However already indications show far more favourable conditions than the previous two years.”
Dave Atkinson. Round The Island Race Director
Click here for the Round The Island Race website
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