Record entries for 2008 Round the Island Race
by PR on 15 Jun 2008
Early starters in the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2007 SW
Two weeks before this year’s JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, the Island Sailing Club has received more entries than ever in the history of the event, which was inaugurated 77 years ago. Until today, the entry record stood at 1,813, achieved in 1989, which marked the centenary of the Island Sailing Club.
Bill Pimlott, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club, said:
'Today we have reached the record figure of 1,814 entries, with more still to come.There could not be a better indicator of the race`s popularity which reflects great credit on the Club staff and the members whose hard work make the whole thing possible.'
The event sees Olympic medallists and round-the-world skippers mix with first time racers and family cruisers in this unique event. The challenge for everyone is the same: to complete the 50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight. 2007 saw a record number of finishers.
The big question now is whether the race records, set in 2001, will tumble in 2008. Mike Slade was just 18 minutes short of the monohull record last year, sailing ICAP Leopard. Given the right conditions, the Extreme 40 catamarans could be in with a good chance. Their skippers include Dame Ellen MacArthur on BT and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson on JPMorgan Asset Management.
Entries can be accepted for the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island until noon on Saturday 21st June through www.roundtheisland.org.uk.
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