The inaugural Round the Isle of Wight Solo race will take place on Saturday 6 May 2006 and has already received twenty entries. Starting from Egypt Point, Cowes this new single-handed race has attracted mono-hull and multi-hull yachts from 25ft to 40ft, as well as a Mini class.

The race is the latest of the innovative series of single-handed races organised by Petit Bateau over the last three years. It aims to encourage new sailors to the single-handed discipline to gain experience in the familiar and convenient location of the Solent.

Several of the entries are skippers new to solo racing as well as strong support from the established short handers. Race Director Paul Peggs anticipates 30 boats will start the first edition of this challenging new event.

Entries close 2 May – go to www.petitbateau.org.uk 

Twenty-five yachts have already entered the Petit Bateau Solo Race week that starts from Weymouth on 19 August, and visits Alderney, Guernsey, Treguier, Fowey and finishes in Mylor.