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Announcement: Class cancellations

Author: Jo Bowden   Date: 15:00 Friday 14 Jun 2024

The Race Team and the Island Sailing Club have been closely monitoring the conditions, both in terms of wind and sea state, over the past weeks. After much discussion with our weather team it has been regrettably decided that the following classes will be cancelled from this year’s Round the Island Race:

  • Classic Racing Yacht (ISCRS) LOA under 9.6m
  • Diam 24
  • Gaffer (Division 3) LWL under 23ft
  • J/70
  • Multihull (Bridgedeck Catamaran) LOA 9.15m and over
  • Multihull (Bridgedeck Catamaran) LOA under 9.15m
  • Multihull (Grand Prix and MOCRA Racing) LOA under 9.15m
  • Sportsboats (IRC)

This decision has not been taken lightly, and there has been a significant amount of discussion between the Race Organisers and the weather experts, Coastguard, RNLI and other support services.

There will also be a requirement that all competitors taking part in the race will be required to wear lifejackets for the duration of the race.   

Whilst the above Classes will be cancelled, we must remind all competitors that it is each skipper's sole responsibility to evaluate the capability of their crew and the suitability of their boat to handle the expected conditions (including wind and sea state) and make the decision as to whether their boat should take part.

Competitors are reminded of the Risk Statement (Section 16) included in the Notice of Race which says:

Tracking System Registration

Please remember that to comply with the Sailing Instructions, your boat needs to have at least one device onboard capable of tracking its position. It is essential that we can monitor the position of all boats throughout the race, so please follow the instructions on the event website here if you have not registered yet.

Race Briefing including weather briefing

Will take place at 18:00 on Friday 14 June in the Official Hospitality Venue on Cowes Parade (either on the stage or Crew Bar Marquee). It will be streamed live and recorded. See the event website.

Withdrawal and Retirements

It is very important that you let us know if you decide to withdraw from the Race or retire after starting.

  • In advance, please contact the Island Sailing Club: rir@islandsc.org.uk or 01983 296 621 (this phone will be manned until 20:00 on Friday 14 June and from 03:30 on Saturday 15 June)
  • On Race Day, simply use the automated declaration text system by sending "DNC" (Did not compete) or "RET" (Retired) to 02380 001 802.

Incident Telephone Line - 01983 249439

This is for enquiries about specific incidents (not for a competitor to report an incident on the racetrack). Available from 06:00 to 21:00 on Saturday 15 June.