In pictures: Round the Island Race

Image source, RTIR
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The annual Round the Island Race is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight.
Image source, RTIR
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Racing got under way off Cowes shortly after 08:00 BST.
Image source, RTIR
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The boats crossed the start line at Cowes in 10 separate groups, starting every 10 minutes until 09:30.
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Spectators line vantage points along the island's coast to watch the race.
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It takes between four and ten hours to complete.
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The 50 nautical mile course sees the boats race anticlockwise round the island.
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The boats passed round the Needles Lighthouse, along the south-west coast of the Island.
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TSCHUSS2 was the first boat to cross the finish line taking four hours and 11 minutes to lap the Isle of Wight.
Image source, RTIR
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The race is one of the largest yacht races in the world

At a glance

The race sees over 6,000 competitors and 1,100 boats race a 50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight
It began with cannons firing at 08:00 BST at the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes
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
The first race took place in 1931 with 25 entries

1 July 2023

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Round the Island Race