Early start: The first IRC boats set sail as the sun rises over the Solent

Starting Sequence: It takes an hour and forty minutes to get the entire fleet of 1,600 boats safely underway

Under spinnaker: The boats stream out of the Solent on the first leg of the 50nm course

A race for all: Olympic class sailors compete in this unique race...

A race for all: ...alongside many family crewed boats...

A race for all: ...in all variety of crafts, ancient and modern

The Needles: The 1,600-strong fleet round the famous Needles rocks

Half way: St Catherine's Lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight marks the half way point

Back of the Wight: The huge fleet makes a spectacular sight, sailing across Sandown Bay...

Bembridge: ...before rounding Bembridge Ledge...

Past The Forts: ...and on to the final leg towards the finish line

The Finish Line: ...such a great feeling to have made it all the way round!

Latest news

Helly Hansen is announced as the Official Clothing Partner
Why you need to do the race - in 140 seconds

Whether you're an old-timer or a newcomer to the race, there's something very special about taking part in this iconic event.

Watch this short but great video to see why you really shouldn't be missing this year's Round the Island Race in association with Cloudy Bay on Saturday 1st July...

Enter now for the 2017 race

Enter now for the 2017 edition of the Round the Island Race, which takes place on Saturday 1st July. You can enter here using our secure online form and pay using your credit card.

Pictures from the racetrack

All of the pictures from our offical race photographers, together with the best of the images submitted by our competitors.
Calling all teams...

Any affiliated yacht club can put together a team of three yachts to compete against other clubs for one of the four Team Trophies that are up for grabs this year.