In pictures: Round the Island Race

Curtis Lancaster

BBC News

16 June 2024

Image source, Paul Wyeth
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The event attracted thousands of sailors of all abilities from across the globe.
Image source, Ian Roman
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Islanders took time to watch the race from the shore, like these observers in Cowes.
Image source, Sienna Anderson
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First over the line was Highland Fling 18 which completed the race in 3 hours, 39 minutes and 5 seconds and won the Freedom Challenge Bowl.
Image source, Paul Wyeth
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Crews compete to win individual class and overall trophies.
Image source, Paul Wyeth
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The RNLI were on hand to help any participants who got into trouble in the race.
Image source, Ian Roman
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Despite concerns about the weather in the build up to the event, many of the classes were still able to go ahead.
Image source, Ian Roman
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TP52 Notorious is first overall in the IRC Class and wins the coveted Gold Roman Bowl and the Observer Trophy for Monohull Line Honours.
Image source, Paul Wyeth
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Sailors have circumnavigated the Isle of Wight's 50 nautical mile course since the race started in 1931.

Thousands of sailors took part in an annual race around the Isle of Wight.

It is one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.

The race pits Olympic and professional sailors against amateurs, with a unique handicap system meaning any boat can win its prize - the coveted Gold Roman Bowl.

Notorious came first this year, skippered and owned by Cowes resident Peter Morton who has won the 50 nautical mile race for a second time.

'Very special for me'

He said: “I’ve not had the boat that long but I’ve competed in Round the Island Race many times over the last 50 years in various boats I’ve owned.

"It’s one of the most famous yacht races in the world and we went out to try and win.

"It’s 40 years ago since I won it on a little 25ft boat called ‘Odd Job’, so today was very special for me.”

Organisers were forced to cancel eight classes from this year’s race due to the weather conditions, with strong winds causing a risk to participants' safety.

The event, organised by the Island Sailing Club first race took place in 1931 with 25 entries.

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In pictures: Round the Island Race

'Very special for me'

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