It’s up with the sunrise for those taking part in the iconic sailing event, with a start time of 5am on Saturday 19th June.

Round The Island RaceLea Bennett, Club Secretary for the Island Sailing Club points out, “Whilst the tides on the day are indeed dictating a very early start, it also means that the majority of competitors will hopefully cross the finish line earlier in the day and, with luck and a following wind, be able to enjoy rather more of the shore side hospitality that’s on offer in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven and with us at the Island Sailing Club.”

Around 16,000 sailors from across Europe and the USA, as well as from all over the UK, compete in upwards of 1,700 boats to follow the 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight.

Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races westabout to The Needles, past St Catherine's Point, turning at Bembridge Ledge buoy and then heading back into the Solent.

Spectators can find many vantage points on the mainland and around the Isle of Wight, to watch the race progress.

Over 60 prizes are awarded and every boat completing this much-loved race receives a special Tankard marking the occasion.

Whether you compete regularly or are new to the event, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race provides the opportunity to enjoy a day of superb racing in some of the country's finest sailing waters. It is one of those things that you just have to do, at least once!

The multihull record stands at just 3 hours 8 minutes and 29 seconds and for a monohull, the record is 3 hours 53 minutes and 5 seconds. However, the bulk of the fleet crosses the line during the late afternoon or early evening.

To enter online check the official Website

Image: Patrick Eden