The Island Sailing Club’s ever-popular race round the Isle of Wight will take place next year on Saturday 23 June and with the start sequence scheduled earlier so competitors can make best use of the favourable tide from Cowes down to The Needles. Traditionally, the first start has been no earlier than 0600 but following feedback from competitors it has been decided to bring this forward to 0500 in 2007.

The Island Sailing Club is also continuing consultation with the relevant authorities with a view to condensing appropriate sections of the starting sequence.

Peter Dickson, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club, said: “For the past two years we have had very light conditions for the initial stage of the race, so a fair tide on the line has been all-important. The earlier start will benefit all competitors, in particular ensuring that the last class to start will have at least three hours of fair tide to reach The Needles.”

The JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is open to regular racers and newcomers alike. Online entries open on 5 January 2007. In 2006 over 70 per cent of entries were received this way via the dedicated website www.roundtheisland.org.uk.