The Island Sailing Club and the Race Team are delighted that the RNLI are the Official Charity for the Round the Island Race 2024.
Dave Atkinson, Race Director said: "The Race Team, RNLI and Coastguard have worked closely together since the first Round the Island Race in 1931 to operate a safe race for all the competitors.
"We are incredibly grateful for the safety cover and assistance that the RNLI station teams provide on race day and so we are especially pleased to announce that all the donations raised will go to the seven stations involved in the race and specifically for the training of their volunteer crews.
"Please help us support the RNLI Lifeboats involved in the race by donating when you enter or via the campaign's Just Giving page. Thank you."
Safety of all the participants is integral to the smooth running of the race. RNLI lifeboats from Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Mudeford, Lymington, Portsmouth and Yarmouth have been involved in the running of the event for many years and are strategically positioned around the course. For example, Bembridge RNLI will be positioned with their all-weather Tamar lifeboat on the furthest eastern side of the Isle of Wight and will provide cover for the final leg of the race, whereas Yarmouth RNLI will be positioned with their all-weather Severn class lifeboat at The Needles, the Isle of Wight's most western point and where the sea conditions can change drastically without warning.
2024 marks the RNLI's 200th anniversary and the charity will work closely with the Island Sailing Club to raise funds towards the training costs at the stations involved. On race day, and every other day of the year the crews lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous. And with only 1 in 10 volunteers joining the RNLI from a professional maritime occupation, training is especially important.
Your donation to support this training is vital to us - thank you for your support.