This year’s Round the Island race which is taking place on 21 June looks set to be a bumper event with over 1,000 boats already signed up. And with the likes of Olympic gold medallists Ben Ainslie and Shirley Robertson, and Paul Goodison – champion Laser sailor aboard the Farr 52 ‘Volvo for Life – Team Tonic’, competition is going to be extremely hot.

The champion sailors on board this boat will be joined by two young sailors selected from the RYA Keelboat programme (names to be announced in the next few days). Having been trialled throughout early season events including the Warsash Spring Series and Red Funnel Easter Regatta, this will be the first time the two youngsters join the boat’s permanent crew for the start of the season’s racing.

To enter the race and take advantage of the standard entry fee rate, entries should be in by 31 May. For details log on to roundtheisland.org.uk or telephone 01983 296621.