RNLI crews around the Isle of Wight and the wider Solent area are gearing up to keep competitors safe in the annual Round the Island Race this Saturday (15th June). The RNLI is the official charity for this year’s race around the Isle of Wight, which typically features more than 1,000 yachts and thousands of amateur and professional sailors. The charity has been working closely with the race team and The Island Sailing Club to raise funds which will go to the 7 RNLI lifeboat stations involved on the day – Cowes, Calshot, Bembridge, Mudeford, Lymington, Portsmouth and Yarmouth. Funds raised will go specifically towards the training of their volunteer crews. Each lifeboat is strategically positioned around the course. For example, Bembridge RNLI will be positioned with their All Weather Tamar-class lifeboat on the furthest eastern side of the Isle of Wight and will provide cover for the final leg of the race, whereas Yarmouth RNLI will be positioned with their Severn-class lifeboat at The Needles, the Isle of Wight’s most western point and where the sea conditions can change drastically without warning. The race starts and ends in Cowes, with the first start at 06:00 and the competitors racing anti-clockwise around the island. With winds forecast to be up to 40mph during the race, the RNLI is urging competitors to be aware of the risks and take the necessary measures to stay safe. 
Harry Leslie, a Launch Authority at Cowes RNLI has taken part 4 times and will be involved in overseeing safety cover on Saturday. He said:
“Please remember to take measures to stay safe: wear a suitably maintained lifejacket, carry a means for calling for help and call 999/ch 16 on VHF for the Coastguard if needed. “With the race starting and ending here we are an integral part of the activities. It affects the town in a positive way. Being the charity partner for the race does, of course, help the institution financially but it also gives the crew a lift to know that their considerable efforts locally are appreciated”.
The more vulnerable classes of boat have already been cancelled for tomorrow.
The Weather does not look good for tomorrow’s race.