ALL AT SEA JUNE 2022
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ROUND THE ISLAND RACE Regularly attracting more than 1,400 boats and thousands of sailors, the iconic Round the Island Race is one of the largest yacht races in the world and it is happening this month!
Image: Paul Wyeth
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust taking part in the 2019 race. Image: Sportography.tv
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aking place on 25 June, this one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight is organised every year by the Island Sailing Club. The race continues to live up to its reputation as a ‘Race for All’ – welcoming sailors from all over the world, with professional sailors, keen amateur crews, families and first-time racers competing on the same 50nm racecourse around the striking Isle of Wight coastline. Race director, David Atkinson said: “In 2021, the 90th year of the race, our expectations were exceeded when we welcomed over 1,200 boats and 8,000 competitors, who enjoyed an absolutely magical extravaganza on the waters around the Isle of Wight. We hope to build on this success and attract a wide range of boats from the UK and abroad to experience the race and onshore hospitality in Cowes this year.” “It is also fantastic to see entries returning from abroad, plus we have also got the highest percentage of first-time participants (to date) that we have ever experienced. I think there are lots of new owners keen to challenge their boats and crew with our incredible race.” John Oleshko was one of the first timers in 2021 on Preferita, a Salona 380, and he said: “It was wonderful to see the breadth and depth of the sailing fraternity on the water, an absolutely amazing day.” More than 100 trophies are up for grabs and most boats have the chance to win several different prizes.The most famous, though, is the Gold Roman Bowl, which has
The Trust Race Crew, Round the Island Race 2019. Image: EMCT
Dame Ellen MacArthur with young people the Trust has supported on board the Trust’s yacht, Solent Hero. Image: EMCT
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has been the Official Race Charity since 2005 with young people who have been treated for cancer racing as part of Trust crews. Now, after Covid scuppered young people’s participation in 2020 and 2021, the Trust is set to have five boats racing this year. Up to 30 young people living through and beyond cancer will take to the water, being inspired to believe in a brighter future. For many young people picking up where they left off before cancer is not possible, so when treatment ends the Trust’s work begins. Long-time Trust skipper, Becky Ellis, will helm one of the Trust entries. Becky said:“Doing the race gives young people such a sense of achievement. It is something they can always look back on, a big visual in their minds - that start line is something you never forget.” Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, added: “Hundreds of young people living through and beyond cancer have been given the chance to believe in a brighter future thanks to the long-term partnership with the Round the Island Race and
the wonderful crews that support us. “The past two years have been the most challenging of the Trust’s history, so we are incredibly grateful for the continued support this year. After the triumph of getting 315 young people back on board in 2021, this year we hope to welcome more than 600 young people on Trust trips across the UK.” Alongside the other Race Partners, the Trust will have a stand in the Round the Island Race Village at Cowes Yacht Haven all day Saturday and Sunday morning with family fun and games. Ellen concluded: “If you are around, please come down and meet the Trust team and find out more about what we do. The young people we support are absolutely incredible, truly inspirational and it is wonderful there are going to be so many of them out on the water for the race again.” Since 2005, more than £300,000 has been raised by competitors and supporters of the race. To support the Trust, visit their fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/ campaign/2022roundislandrace ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
CHARITY SUPPORT
It really is a ‘Race For All’. Image: Paul Wyeth
