Round the Island Race - What to expect through the day

Well, if you're taking part in this year's Round the Island Race, or simply heading out to watch, you're in for a hot and sweaty, albeit rather breezy day! From first light to the finish line, it's looking like wall-to-wall sunshine, with not a drop of rain to spoil proceedings, unlike last year.

A north-easterly breeze of around 10-18 knots should provide some great sailing conditions for much of the course. That said, don't let it lull you into a false sense of security! Once they have rounded St Catherine's Point, things become a little more interesting. As the course bends towards Dunnose Point, they will gradually find themselves sailing more into the wind, making this one of the more testing (and energetic!) parts of the race before the angle eases again further east.

Away from the sailing, it's going to be a hot one. Temperatures will start off around 20-22°C, but they'll soon climb into the high 20s during the morning, with many inland parts of the island reaching 30-31°C during the afternoon. A few sheltered spots could even sneak up to 32°C. If you're by the coast, the sea breeze should keep things a little more comfortable, with temperatures generally staying in the mid to high 20s.

For those lining the shoreline at Cowes, The Needles, St Catherine's Point, Bembridge or anywhere else around the island, don't forget that the sun in July can be surprisingly fierce. There won't be much cloud around, so pack plenty of water, slap on the sunscreen and maybe even dust off that hat that's been hiding in the cupboard since last summer!

And finally, for the competitors... yes, the breeze will help keep things feeling a little cooler out on the water, but don't be fooled. Spending several hours racing in strong sunshine soon catches up with you, especially on the more physical stretch between St Catherine's Point and Dunnose Point. Keep drinking little and often—you'll sail a lot better if you're well hydrated than if you're running on empty.

All in all, it's shaping up to be a brilliant Round the Island Race. Plenty of sunshine, a reliable north-easterly breeze, and just enough variation around the course to keep the navigators on their toes. Best of luck to everyone taking part, and enjoy what looks set to be a fantastic day on the water! ⛵☀️

So here is our take on how things MIGHT pan out!

Race Highlights

🚩 Fastest section: The Needles → St Catherine's Point

🧭 Most tactical section: St Catherine's Point → Dunnose Point

📈 Best chance to make up places: Seaview → Cowes

☀️ Overall: A classic summer Round the Island Race is expected, with sunshine throughout and a north-easterly breeze generally between 10 and 18 knots, veering more into the east later. While most of the race should offer excellent sailing conditions, crews should expect the biggest tactical challenges around St Catherine's Point, followed by the final run through the Solent where both wind shifts and tidal strategy could prove decisive.

Race Section	Approx. Time (Leaders)	Forecast Wind	What to Expect
Cowes → The Needles	07:00–09:30	NE 10–14 knots, slowly freshening	A steady opening leg with a mainly north-easterly breeze. The biggest gains are likely to come from getting the tide right rather than major wind changes. Expect the breeze to freshen once clear of the western Solent, with slightly stronger gusts around Hurst and The Needles.
The Needles → St Catherine's Point	09:30–12:00	NE 12–16 knots	Probably the quickest section of the race. The cleanest and strongest breeze should be offshore, while boats sailing close beneath the cliffs could encounter lighter, more disturbed wind. Staying in the stronger gradient breeze may pay dividends.
St Catherine's Point → Dunnose Point	12:00–13:30	NE gradually becoming ENE 13–18 knots	Likely to be the most tactical and physically demanding part of the course. Expect local wind bends and acceleration around St Catherine's Point before boats gradually turn more into the wind. This will require more work on deck before the sailing angle eases again towards Dunnose.
Dunnose Point → Bembridge	13:30–15:30	ENE becoming E 12–16 knots	Crossing Sandown Bay, the breeze gradually becomes more easterly. Conditions should become more consistent again offshore, although lighter patches are still possible close to the shoreline. A good opportunity to settle back into a rhythm.
Bembridge → Seaview	15:30–17:00	E becoming ESE 11–15 knots	During the afternoon the wind continues edging more easterly, perhaps even with a hint of south in there too. Local acceleration is possible around Bembridge Ledge and the eastern entrance to the Solent, so choosing the best line could gain valuable places.
Seaview → Cowes	17:00 onwards	ESE 10–15 knots	A tactical finish through the Solent. As the breeze stays in the east-southeast, local shifts combine with the tide, meaning there could still be plenty of places won and lost right to the finish line.