In recent years the Round the Island Race has become a popular challenge for sailors at all levels of experience and abilities, attracting classic yachts such as the elegant J Class “Velsheda” as well as state-of-the-art, record-breaking greyhounds. Olympic gold medallists have tried their luck in the Sportsboat Rule and IRC classes, whilst grand old ladies of the sea, “Suhaili”, “Gipsy Moth IV” and “Lively Lady”, have given more modern designs a run for their money.
The ISC Rating System division, for un-rated yachts, now exceeds the regular racers. For some of these sailors, this is their one race of the year and many use the event as a first taste of yacht racing.
Entries come from all over the south and east coasts of England as well as from France, Belgium, Channel Islands and further afield. The event is reported in media across the world – from Brazil to Japan, Hungary to New Zealand.
The race often runs true to Cyril Windeler’s original aspirations, with small boats, perhaps finishing well into the evening, carrying off the top prizes. 
The Live Blog is a great way for friends and family to follow the Race online. Throughout the day on June 30th, the team of bloggers will be keeping a huge online audience up-to-date with all the action on the water. The blog will be featuring the latest pictures and video content from the Race track as it arrives at Race HQ, plus live tweets from some of the competitors taking part. Online visitors can read along and even ask the team questions as the Race unfolds.
Last year’s Race Blog attracted 17,762 visitors over the course of twelve hours with comments coming in from as far away as Australia, the Philippines, Mexico and the US. This year’s Blog will be live from 0630 on Race day and can be found on the official website at http://rtir.me/liveblog
