This weekend, extreme weather disrupted the popular annual Round the Island Race, forcing hundreds of sailors to withdraw before two boats collided, resulting in a man being thrown overboard. The race, a renowned one-day event circling the Isle of Wight, usually draws competitors of diverse abilities from around the globe. However, Saturday morning saw gusts reaching 54 knots at The Needles, the race’s westernmost point.
During the severe weather, two boats collided near Yarmouth.
Photographs also showed a distressed crew member clinging to their yellow lifejacket after being thrown overboard.
Yachts navigating around The Needles during the Round the Island Race 2024
The sailor waits to be rescued, surrounded by towering waves.
Members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution were ready to assist any participants encountering difficulties during the Round the Island Race.
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According to an RNLI spokesperson, “Lymington RNLI responded to reports of a man overboard near the Needles during yesterday’s Round the Island Race. Upon arrival, the yacht crew had already successfully retrieved the individual back onto their vessel. Lymington RNLI conducted a welfare check on the crew, confirming all were well, before returning to base.”
Race organizers had to cancel eight categories before the event began. By the end of eight hours of racing, only 61 boats had completed the course out of the initial 939 entries. Despite the challenges, 153 boats successfully circumnavigated the island.
Numerous fleets retired due to severe sea conditions, citing sail damage, though no other major incidents were reported.
The Round the Island Race stands as one of the world’s largest yacht races and one of the UK’s most popular sporting events after the London Marathon. Notably, the race pits Olympic sailors against amateurs, adding to its unique allure.
A crew member drifts in the water following their ejection from the boat.
The sailor is engulfed by towering waves as they await rescue.
The man floats in his yellow lifejacket.
Under a handicap system, any boat has a chance to claim the coveted prize – the Gold Roman Bowl.
This year, Notorious took first place, helmed and owned by Cowes resident Peter Morton, who clinched his second victory in the 50-nautical-mile race.
The monohull completed the course in four hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds, securing the Gold Roman Bowl.
