Even if you're not racing in this year's Hoya Round The Island Race, there's plenty excellent observation points to watch the race from.
This year’s 65th Hoya Round The Island Race, one of the biggest yacht races in the world with nearly 2,000 yachts and over 12,000 competitors, will take place on Saturday 16 June 2001. The first group of boats will start at 8:00 off the Royal Yacht Squadron starting line at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The 50 nautical mile race, anticlockwise around the island, is a unique event appealing to yachtsmen of differing persuasions. The club sailor races against international sailing celebrities such as the America’s Cup and Olympic sailing elite. Spectators too can enjoy this amazing sight as 2,000 yachts do battle in The Solent competing for the main trophy, the highly prestigious Gold Roman Bowl.
This year’s best observation points and approximate timings are:
Island Vantage Points, Nearest Town
0800 – 1000 (Start) Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes
0930 – 1100 Sconce Point, Yarmouth
1000 – 1130 The Needles, Yarmouth or Brighstone
1130 – 1400 St Catherine’s Point, Chale
1145 – 1500 Ventnor & Bonchurch, Ventnor
1200 – 1615 Culver Down, Sandown
1300 – 1745 Ryde Pier, Ryde
1230 – 2100 (FINISH) Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes Mainland Vantage Points
0930 – 1100 Hurst Point, Milford-on-Sea
1200 – 1800 Gilkicker Point, Gosport
Anyone wishing to participate in the 65th Hoya Round the Island Race 2001 can obtain further information and entry forms from either the Island Sailing Club on 01983 296911 or from the website, along with other useful information on the race, ratings, tides and on the sponsor Hoya Lens UK Ltd, at www.hoyaroundtheisland.org.uk.