Not so earlybirds for this year's Round-the-Island Race

This year the race, 55 miles around the Isle of Wight westwards from Cowes, will start a little later than usual, with the grand prix multihulls first across the start line at 8.30am.

Organisers, headed by chief race officer David Atkinson, vice-commodore of the Island sailing Club, have decided to send the big multihulls off first for safety reasons, to get them clear of the start line before the main fleet crowds into the starting area.

Another change for this year's Round-The-Island Race, following a detailed risk assessment, means that the waiting areas for boats to the north of the start line has been moved slightly to the east, to keep boats away from the busy start line.

There will be two waiting areas, for boats awaiting their class starts, one north of the line and one to the south. For the first time, this year the sailing instructions will carry a reminder for boats to use the waiting areas.

Biggest class in the race will be the Island Sailing Club's own handicap system, for boats which do not have their own IRC rating. Family-crewed entries will be able to compete for the Yachting Monthly Family Trophy as well as the Silver Gilt Roman Bowl. IRC entries compete for the Gold Roman Bowl.

Closing date for entries was June 1, but you still have a few days as late entries will be accepted until Saturday, June 15.

For this year's race -- the 66th -- race partners supporting the event include Ocean World, Red Funnel, Champagne Mumm, MDL and IW Tourism.

As in previous years, MHL Press & Publicity (01489 575227) is running the Round-the-Island press office on race day. email: patricia.mhl@dial.pipex.com

Please contact MHL with any requirements.

MHL can also supply pix of last year's race. For more information contact the Island Sailing Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight,

tel 01983 296621, fax 01983 293214

For entry forms and more information look on the race website roundtheisland.org.uk

Email contact rir@islandsc.org.uk