Round the Island Race 2026
Starting from: £TBC
Safe & Secure Checkout
You can be part of the fun, excitement and magnificent spectacle that is the Round the Island Race, a race around the Isle of Wight. Crew spaces will be available on our yachts for 2026. Contact us to book your space early!
- Join the largest yacht race in the world
- New to racing? No problem, training provided.
- A whole fun-packed weekend racing!
Safe & Secure Checkout
Safety a Priority
A highly professionally run organisation with first class sailors who know how to instruct properly to get the best out of you without shouting and losing their temper as so many other instructors can do. They maintain their yachts very well. They prioritise safety and they encourage active participation in all aspects from very basic tying on fenders, tidying the various ropes, working on the various winches, sail setting, helming, through to discussing tactics and weather. I wish I could have done both of my Day and Coastal Skipper courses with them.
Paul R
Verified Customer
In July 2026 over 16,000 sailors, from Olympic gold medallists and world champions to amateur crews and those who will try their hand at racing for the first time, to compete in this unique yacht race around the Isle of Wight. It is a race for all.
Join us for Round the Island Race 2026!
Friday 10th July - Training Day
Saturday 11th July - Race Day
Sunday 12th July - return to Gunwharf Quays or Shamrock Quay (depending on which boat you choose)
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
Round the Island Race
Watch this great video taken by one of our crew members on-board a Challenger 72. Not only did the team complete the race, but made new friends and went away with a huge sense of achievement!
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More Info on the Round the Island Race
Mixed Experience Levels: Typically we welcome a range of experience levels. From those that have recently done their Competent Crew, to experienced sailors that haven't raced before to those that have done lots of racing. Full training and guidance will be given.
Breakfast and lunches are included: Supper on the Friday and Saturday night is ashore leaving you free to explore and join in the shoreside festivities.
Berthing in Cowes: Friday and Saturday night will be spent alongside in Cowes. There is a fun party atmosphere on the Saturday night with lots of shoreside entertainment.
Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
Key Race Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Round the Island Race 2026:
Required Experience
- Some sailing experience required
Race Length
- Friday 20th June - Training Day
- Saturday 21st June - Race Day
- Sunday 22nd June - return to Gunwharf Quays or Shamrock Quay
Choice of Yachts
- Challenger 72
- Laurent Giles 44
Experience gained
- Fun and (hopefully) fast racing
- Be part of a huge fleet of sailing boats
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make taking part in Round the Island Race easy.
Book On
Click one of the buttons on this page to take you to the option to Book
Join the Boat
Join on the Friday before the day of the race for a day of training and boat/crew familiarisation.
Race
Enjoy a day of team work and racing capped of with some shoreside fun in the evening.
Round the Island Yacht Race -
Complete Breakdown
What is the Round the Island Race?
The largest yacht race in the world, the Round the Island Race is a magnificent spectacle and one that you will never forget!
You can be part of the action. No experience is necessary as full training will be given.
There will be a training day on Friday 20th June followed by spending the night in Cowes. The Race will be on Saturday 21st June. Saturday night will be spent in joining in the post-race festivities in Cowes and then Sunday 22nd June allows for a leisurely sail back to Southampton.
The Yachts
Challenger 72
We are entering two Challenger 72 Yachts. These yachts were built to race around the world - a feat they accomplished twice. Challenger 72's are wonderfully solid and fast boats capable of withstanding the toughest of conditions. We have done many Round the Island Races, Fastnet Campaigns and ARC Atlantic crossings on them.
The boats are very hands on and plenty of team work is needed.
However, they are far from a stripped out racing yachts. Down below there is a spacious saloon and galley area, 2 heads/showers. The sleeping areas are divided into four compartments with nice snug bunks.
There will be a skipper, mate and two watch leaders to to keep you safe and to help you get the boat going as fast as possible.
Please note that the upper age limit for the Challenger option is 65, but please check with the office.
Farr 40
This yacht is 40ft long and weighs 5 tonnes. She has a comprehensive sail wardrobe and is very hands on. Life all the yachts we enter team work will be key. She is a very exciting boat to sail, fast and competitive. The boat is light and so you will need to spend time sitting on the rail balancing the boat. You may well get a bit wet.
The facilities are modest and set up for racing. Snug bunks are arranged in the saloon and in the aft part of the boat on each side. You are welcome to sleep on board but it would be better if you arranged accommodation ashore.
Laurent Giles 44
We are also entering a Laurent Giles is 44ft long and called Phantom (now full). She is an exciting boat to sail and has done well in previous Round the Island Races and competed in numerous Fastnet Campaigns.
She is very hands on so you will be very involved. Shas has a big rig and plenty of team work is needed. There will be skipper, mate and watch leader.
Down below the accommodation is arranged into snug bunks with enough for everyone to have their own when in port. There is a good sized and functional basic galley and loo.
Team work will be key.
Training day and Race weekend
2026 Itinerary
Friday 10th July- Training Day
- 1000: Join the yacht in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth (Challenger 2) or Shamrock Quay in Southampton (Farr 40). Meet your skipper, mate and fellow crew members
- 1015: Skippers Briefing then set sail for training
- 1800: Head into Cowes marina for crew debrief and decide your position for the race
Saturday 11th July - Race Day:
- Race day. Early rise to start the race off the Royal Yacht Squadron
- Breakfast and lunch on board with snacks available in between
- Finish the race and then moor up to join in the fun ashore in Cowes
Sunday 12th July - return to Gunwharf Quays or Shamrock Quay
- Leisurely sail back to be away by midday.
Price and What's Included
Costs
Phantom - £TBC
Challenger 72 - £TBC
Included are race entry fees, food on board, the training day, accommodation on board on the Friday and Saturday nights in Cowes (but we would advise booking accommodation ashore for the Farr 40 and can provide a list), loan of waterproofs, safety equipment, mooring fees, fuel and gas. Supper on the Friday and Saturday nights is not included leaving you to explore the options ashore. Insurance is included for the Challenger 72s.
Contact us to join the waiting list for 2026, and book your place early!
On board storage on the boat is pretty minimal. You should put your kit it in a soft bag [not hard suitcase].
On board the boat you will be assigned your berth (if opting to sleep on board). Berths on the Challenger 72 are located in the saloon and to the aft of the boat. You will share with other crew members.
- Jumpers/fleece 2 pairs of trousers/shorts
- 2 t-shirts or mid layers
- Windproof layer
- Underwear
- Couple pairs of warm socks
- Thermals [maybe!]
- Nightclothes
- Soft sole non-marking trainers or deck shoes
- Sailing Wellies (flat soles, no heels, essential for long and/or cold water voyages) optional for this Casual clothes for going ashore
- Towel (a micro fibre / sports towel is a good idea). Or ordinary towel
- Sunhat/Baseball Cap (plus string to tie on)
- Retainer for ordinary glasses
- Fleece hat
- Waterproof /sailing gloves [optional but good idea]
- Toiletries and personal medication
- Seasickness pills if relevant (Stugeron works best)
- Sleeping bag, sheet to cover bunk and pillow case (pillow provided)
- Waterproof clothing is provided.
You'll Also Need
Gadgets
- Ear plugs (advisable!)
- Camera (plus spare batteries – there are no plugs for electric chargers)
- Sunglasses and cord
- Small torch
- Suncream
- Sports water bottle
Medication
- If you are on medication please bring plenty for your weekend with extra in case you suffer from sea sickness and have to take additional doses.
- Bring your own sea sickness medication
Documentation
- RYA Cruising Log (if you have one)
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Friendly
The whole experience was excellent from start to finish, the captain and mates were so friendly. They made the whole experience so good and got everyone involved in helping to whatever ability they have. This was brilliant from start to finish and we had a great time before and after. We had a lovely lunch while enjoying the views of the boats taking part and the lovely Isle of Wight. All the crew met up after for a good laugh and chat about the race, lovely experience and would and have recommended first class sailing to everyone i know.
Thomas S, UK
Verified Customer
Enjoyable
First Class Sailing delivered an exemplary experience for myself and my colleagues. From the moment we joined the boat, all through the race itself and the return to Gunwharf, was handled in a professional and enjoyable manner. The skipper and his team were informative and patient with all the participants, and having completed over 10 RTI's, I can thoroughly recommend this company.
Tim F, UK
Verified Customer
Skilled Skipper
Well organised, fun and some big weather! Really great and skilled crew and skipper too.
Tim E
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
See how internationally recognised RYA courses progress alongside your sailing skills.
Ready to go on Round the Island Race
Get some great experience racing in the largest yacht race in the world
- Experience the magnificent spectacle of Round the Island
- Meet lots of friendly new people
- Weekend of racing and fun
Safety a Priority
Great boat, great fellow students, exemplary skipper, good food, with safety at the top of priorities.
Cooney V
Verified Customer
Ready to go on Round the Island Race
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