#rtir – The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, organised annually by the Island Sailing Club (ISC) in Cowes, is on many a sailor's bucket list. Thousands have competed since the Race was first held in 1931 with entry numbers peaking at 1,908 in the 80th Anniversary year in 2011.
Since then, the Race has enjoyed steady entry numbers averaging 1,500 boats and around 16,000 sailors competing annually. One of the unique attractions of this Race is its even-handedness and the opportunity for Olympic and World champion sailors to be racing alongside amateurs, families and club sailors of all ages.
Much of the competitor feedback from 2014 reveals the variety of reasons why sailors compete and then want to come back year after year:
"I wanted my Father (80) to experience it. He has been home sitting his wife (my Mum) who has Altzheimers for the last 3 years and hasn't been able to get away for a break. This was his first holiday from being a carer in 3 years. He thoroughly enjoyed it. He has been a boat owner for 40 years this year as well as reaching 80, has won over 700 races during that time and has taught the whole family and many members of the sailing club how to sail, set up their boats and repair the damage when it all goes wrong. He deserved to see it at least once before he goes. We hope to get him down again next year."
"Tradition, this was our 28th consecutive year. Always a great weekend. Love the mix of different boats."
"I entered with a group of friends from work, all of whom sail with me at other times, but not usually all at the same time. By entering the race and bringing them all together the race is a good event to aim for and something to look forward to with great friendship and teamwork. We don't race at other times and do it to be part of the fun."
Entries open at 00.01 on January 9th.
The Race takes place on Saturday June 27th with a first start time scheduled for 0700.
