Round the Island Race Delivers Near‑Perfect Sailing

Record‑Breaking Fleet Takes Part

More than 800 yachts gathered for the 95th Round the Island Race, enjoying what organisers called near‑perfect sailing conditions. The fleet left the Royal Yacht Squadron Line in Cowes at 07:00 BST, with each class departing every ten minutes. Sailors praised the sunshine and steady breeze that made the 50‑nautical‑mile circuit around the Isle of Wight especially enjoyable. Over 800 boats, ranging from professional crews to enthusiastic amateurs, headed west toward The Needles before looping back via St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Bembridge and Ryde.

Race director Dave Atkinson called it “an amazing day and a terrific race,” noting the spectacular sight of spinnakers filling at the start. The event’s unique handicap system levels the playing field, allowing any vessel to chase the coveted Gold Roman Bowl. Full results are slated for confirmation on Sunday, wrapping up a busy weekend on the water.

Pace Claims Victory

The first boat across the line was **Pace**, finishing at 12:48 BST after a six‑hour‑32‑minute run. Skipper Jonny Vincent described the challenge of navigating the mainland shore and a tricky section around The Needles. “We stayed pretty close to the Island shore but so nice to head back into the sunshine,” he said. Pace’s win highlights the competitive spirit that defines the handicap format, where every vessel has a chance to claim the top spot.

While Pace celebrated, the race also showcased the diversity of participants, from seasoned professionals to first‑time sailors. The Gold Roman Bowl remains the ultimate prize, motivating crews to push their limits despite the varying skill levels.

Race Highlights and Records

The 2026 edition eclipsed the course record for monohulls, set in 2013 by Mike Slade aboard **ICAP Leopard** at 3 h 43 m 50 s. Multihull supremo **Ned Collier Wakefield** still holds the faster mark from 2017 on **Concise 10**, completing the loop in 2 h 22 m 23 s. These benchmarks underscore the evolution of yacht design and the relentless pursuit of speed among competitors.

The event also harkened back to its origins, as the first race in 1931 featured just 25 entries. A century later, the Round the Island Race has grown into a cornerstone of British sailing, drawing crowds of spectators and generating economic activity for coastal towns.

What Lies Ahead

Organisers promise “near‑perfect sailing conditions” will continue to attract large fleets in future years. The confirmed results on Sunday will provide a full picture of performance across all classes. Fans can look forward to more battles for the Gold Roman Bowl as the race marks its centennial in the coming years.

For now, the buzz from this year’s race will linger among sailors and fans alike, cementing the event’s reputation as a premier test of skill, strategy and seamanship on the Isle of Wight’s challenging coastline.