This year’s ‘exceptional’ Round the Island Race has been hailed as one of the best in years. Over 800 boats gathered at the Royal Yacht Squadron line this morning (Saturday) for the 95th edition of the iconic race.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said:

“It has been an amazing day and a terrific race. We’ve been wishing for good weather for years, and today has really delivered for us, as we’ve had fantastic sunshine and a good breeze.

“The sight of all the spinnakers up for the start was one to behold, and really showed the race in all its glory.”

Round the Island Race 2026 © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

Pace, owned by Jonny Vincent, was the first boat to finish, in an elapsed time of 06:32:39.

Jonny said: “What a great day and a great race. It was hard work going down the mainland shore at the start, and there was a really funky bit around The Needles, which was a bit tricky.

“We stayed pretty close to the Island shore but so nice to head back into the sunshine.”

Round the Island Race 2026 – photo © Martin Allen / www.pwpictures.com

The bulk of the fleet were continuing to cross the line after 6pm.

Prizegiving takes place at the Race Village tomorrow (Sunday), at 12pm.

The full race results will be officially published tomorrow.

Provisional results are available here.

Round the Island Race 2026 – photo © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

by Matt White