Katie Schuhster to Fire Cannon as Round the Island Race Kicks Off in Cowes
The build-up is electric in Cowes with less than 24 hours to go before Katie Schuhster, representing the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, fires the official starting cannon for the 87th Round the Island Race.
1100+ Teams Ready for Classic British Offshore Challenge
Hosted by the Island Sailing Club alongside Cloudy Bay New Zealand, this iconic 50-nautical-mile race promises a spectacular day on the water for over 1100 teams. While light to moderate winds mean a record-breaking speed isn’t likely, the heat could be off the charts. Expect sea breezes to kick in, setting the stage for some thrilling sailing around the Isle of Wight.
Weather Watch: Hot, Light Winds and Sea Breeze on the Cards
Simon Rowell, meteorologist for British Sailing and the race, shared his forecast ahead of tonight’s Raymarine Live Weather Briefing at 6pm: “It’s looking light, hot, and sunny – don’t forget your sunscreen. Winds will likely settle north of the Isle of Wight with a light north-easterly gradient to start, with sea breeze possible later on.”
Celebrity Sailors Set to Shine on Race Day
Alongside Katie Schuhster firing the start cannon, notable names like Cloudy Bay Ambassador Ben Fogle will be taking to the waves. Fogle, set for a 6:30am IRC Group 0 start on the Farr Carroll Marine 60 yacht Cloudy Bay, said: “This will be my second circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight with Cloudy Bay. Last year we had perfect conditions, clocking six hours on our Farr 52. I’m looking forward to hitting the Needles and sailing along the island’s southern shore, hoping the winds stay in our favour for a quick finish and a well-earned glass in the Cloudy Bay Yacht Bar.”
Katie Schuhster’s Inspiring Return with Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
After firing the cannon, Katie Schuhster from Haslemere, Surrey, will join Solent Hero, one of five boats from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust competing this year. Having first sailed with the Trust in 2003 at age 11 following brain tumour treatment, Schuhster, now 26, returns to race alongside Dame Ellen MacArthur and 30 young cancer survivors.
“Sailing with the EMCT for the first time in 2003 boosted my confidence and reassured my parents,” Schuhster said. “The trips made me realise I wasn’t alone in the battle against cancer. The friends I made through the Trust are still loyal and amazing today. Volunteering is my way of giving back and supporting others going through what I have.”
Raymarine Prize Draw and Entertainment to Heat Up Cowes
Tonight’s weather briefing at the Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre will also unveil a prize draw to win a Raymarine Axiom 9-inch and AIS700 worth £2,390. The winner will be revealed at 9pm at the Island Sailing Club.
Attendees receive a voucher for 15% off drinks during the competitor happy hour from 6:30pm to 9pm. Can’t make it in person? Sign up for the live-streamed briefing.
Cowes Yacht Haven Race Village entertainment kicks off at 4pm, with live music from Close to Home at 7pm and Rockafellas at 9:30pm ready to get the party going.
