Round The Island Race 2026
The RTIR is organised by the Island Sailing Club in Cowes and is one of those races all sailors must do, at least once. The atmosphere both in Cowes and at the start line is fantastic. And when you look back towards Cowes and see 500+ boats behind you, it is an amazing sight you will never forget.
Nina Wilson is organising one or two entries in 2026 depending on numbers interested. So please get in touch with Nina to sign up and ask any questions you may have.
We will be sailing Sunsail 410 yachts out of Port Solent: here is an outline of the programme:-
| Day | Date | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday Evening | July 9th | Join the boat at Port Solent and meet up with your fellow crew-mates from about 7pm. |
| Friday | July 10th | Practice Day !!! - On Friday morning we will sail down the Solent, practising our boat handling skills, check out the starting area and arrive at Cowes Yacht Haven in the afternoon. |
| Saturday | July 11th | Race Day !! - An early get-up for an early race start. The actual race starts and finishes outside Cowes Harbour, so it will be very busy with over 1000 participating boats. It will be a full day's race, and on returning back to Cowes in the evening you'll be feeling triumphant and shattered !! Enjoy the festivities !!! |
| Sunday | July 12th | On Sunday morning, after a lazy get-up and breakfast, we will have a leisurely sail back to Port Solent, arriving back at base by 4.30pm latest. |
Costs
Based on a crew of 8 per boat, the approximate cost per person will be £850 (approx.). The cost includes race entry, two nights berthing at Cowes, dinner onboard on Thursday evening, all breakfasts, lunches and snacks over the weekend, fuel, wet weather gear and lifejackets, and an insurance damage liability limitation waiver. This insurance waiver would reduce the crew's maximum liability from £5000 currently to around £1,500, in the event of a claim.
A deposit of £100 is required before 31st December to reserve your place. The remaining balance will be due be due by the end April 2026. The deposit is refundable if you cancel prior to End April 2026, but once the balance is paid, the whole amount is not refundable and if you cancel, you will forfeit the whole amount.
Island Sailing Club RTIR Website
Last updated 14:45 on 2 November 2025