The RaceLatest news

Once again, the Island Sailing Club are staging an Official Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven for the Round the Island Race weekend. It is free to enter and will welcome all competitors, supporters, spectators and visitors to enjoy drinks and food from 17:00 on Friday 30th June and throughout race day and evening until midnight. Live bands will entertain the crowds on Saturday from early evening. The Race Partners (Helly Hansen and B&G), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Project Q and the Island Sailing Club will have stands offering race support, discounts, games and giveaways.

B&G in partnership with Hudson Marine will be offering on-site shoreside support with the B&G Event Van, providing a Health Clinic in Mercury Yacht Harbour, Hamble on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th June, as well as being onsite at the Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday 1st July. To book your appointment visit the Hudson Marine booking system, also available through the link on www.hudsonmarine.co.uk.

Helly Hansen in partnership with the RNLI will hold a Lifejacket Clinic outside the Helly Hansen Cowes store (121 High St, Cowes, PO31 7AY) on Friday 30th June, between 15:00 and 19:00. The Official 2023 Race Collection by Helly Hansen is available to order online (via the event website and then pay/collect in the Helly Hansen Cowes store) or visit the store and enjoy shopping the wide range of branded kit.

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust: Dame Ellen MacArthur is taking on Round the Island Race in celebration of her charity's 20th birthday. She will take the helm of the Trust's flagship boat Solent Hero and will be accompanied by 24 young people following their cancer treatment aboard four yachts. Visit the Trust's stand on Saturday 1st July in the Race Village for some fun family games.

This year, the charity is launching its #200for20 Birthday Challenge on the day of Round the Island Race, with Dame Ellen encouraging entrants to raise £200 or £20 for the Trust's 20th anniversary. Donations of £20 can be made by texting RACEFORALL to 70460* or visit their JustGiving page '2023 Round the Island Race'.

*Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting into hearing more from the Trust (if you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more, please text RACEFORALLNOINFO instead).

The race is also supporting the new charity Project Q Foundation which raises funds and awareness to advance Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery locally, nationally and internationally. Visit their stand to talk to their passionate team about why this innovation is so important to support.