Multiple classes canceled due to strong winds predicted for 2024 round-the-island race

Excitement is building for the famous race around the Isle of Wight tomorrow, Saturday June 15.

The annual “Race for All”, which this year has 939 entries, regularly attracts a wide range of sailors, from Olympians and professional racing teams to keen amateurs and family groups, ready to enjoy an exhilarating day on the water.

The forecast for tomorrow looks particularly challenging, both in terms of strong winds and sea conditions, and all participants are reminded to take steps to stay safe.

The racing team and Island Sailing Club have been closely monitoring conditions, both in terms of wind and sea state, over the past few weeks.

A spokesperson said: “After numerous discussions with our weather team, it has unfortunately been decided that the following classes will be canceled from this year’s race:

• Classic racing yacht (ISCRS) LOA less than 9.6 m
• Diameter 24
• Gaffer (Division 3) LWL under 23 feet
• D/70
• Multihull (Bridgedeck Catamaran) LOA 9.15 m and more
• Multihull (Bridgedeck Catamaran) LOA less than 9.15 m
• Multihull (Grand Prix and MOCRA Racing) LOA less than 9.15m
• Sports boats (IRC)
  More information can be found on the event website: https://tinyurl.com/2kk4a5c2.

This decision was not taken lightly and there were many discussions between the race organizers and weather experts, the Coastguard, the RNLI and other support services.

Race Safety Manager Mark Southwell said: “We will only cancel fleets where there is a significant risk that the majority of the fleet will encounter difficulty and risk injury to the crew, a situation which could quickly overwhelm support services. For other fleets, with a wide range of crew experiences and boat types, it is the sole responsibility of each skipper to assess the ability of their crew and the suitability of their boat to handle the expected conditions. (including wind and sea state) and make the decision. as to whether their boat should participate.

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Competitors are reminded of the risk declaration (section 16) included in the notice of race.

It will also be required that all competitors participating in the race are required to wear life jackets for the duration of the race.

Withdrawal and retirements

It is very important that competitors inform the organizers if they decide to withdraw from the race or abandon after the start.

In advance, please contact Island Sailing Club: [email protected] or 01983 296 621 (this telephone will be available until 8:00 p.m. today, Friday 14 June, and from 03:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday 15 June).

On race day, simply use the automated SMS reporting system by texting “DNC” (Did not take part) or “RET” (Retired) to 02380 001 802.

The incident telephone line – 01983 249439 – is for inquiries about specific incidents (and not for a competitor to report an incident on the circuit). Available from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday June 15.

What’s new for the 2024 Tour de l’Île Race?

The Island Sailing Club (ISC), based on the Isle of Wight, has been proud to organize this world-famous race for over 90 years.

All fleets follow the same 50-mile course, which circles the island in a counterclockwise direction. Departing from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at Cowes at 06:00, the fleet races west to The Needles, past St Catherine’s Point, round the Bembridge Ledge buoy and back into the Solent to the finish line in Cowes.

To watch the race online, visit the event website and view the ‘easy to use race viewer’. In addition to seeing the entire race unfold live and following text commentary, specific boats can be highlighted and followed as they progress around the course.

New this year is a ‘LIVE Stage Leaderboard’ tool which tracks the progress of the fleets (IRC and ISCRS) and shows the individual positions of handicap boats within their fleet after each of the four main stages of the race. Also follow on social media for all the latest updates.

It is a spectacular sight to see the hundreds of boats sailing around the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Wight.

There are many excellent viewpoints along the island’s coastline, including Cowes Start, The Needles, Chilton Chine, St Catherine’s Point, Ventnor and Ryde Pier. On the mainland coast, Hurst Point and Gilkicker Point are excellent locations.

A spectator guide provides details of all land-based activities and a handy map, with a table of boat times at different points of the race.

This year the racing team and ISC are hosting an official hospitality venue on The Parade in Cowes. Entry is free, everyone is welcome and it will be open with live music, a large bar, food court and stalls, throughout the race weekend, from Friday June 14 to 2:00 p.m. to Sunday June 16 in the evening.