Round the Island attracts 1,000+ crews

More than 1,200 boats took part in the 90th anniversary Round the Island Race which has been described as the biggest participation event since lockdown started.

Local Cowes boat Eeyore, an Alacrity 18 Bilge Keel, secured back-to-back victories in the race and retained the prestigious Gold Roman Bowl which she has held since 2019.

“The thing with Round the Island Race is that it’s like buses, you wait years and years and then two come along consecutively,” says owner and skipper of Eeyore, Jo Richards.

“We had a shocking first leg down to the Needles and luckily there was a little bit of a lull under the cliffs and we got back into our class and from then on it was really tight.

“It was only when we got back to shore and people starting texting that we thought we might have won. A great day out.”