While lots has changed over the 90+ years since the race began, the course remains exactly the same. The race starts and finishes in Cowes, with boats heading west, circumnavigating the Island.
The start is staggered, with competitors setting off in groups every ten minutes, from 6am until 7.20am, all heading towards Yarmouth. The course takes them past the Needles Lighthouse, along the south-west coast of the Island to St. Catherine’s Point. They then head across Sandown Bay to round the Bembridge Ledge Buoy, before passing No Man’s Land Fort and across Osborne Bay to the finish line back at Cowes. The map above shows the key points of the race.
| Location | Distance NM | Total Distance NM |
|---|---|---|
| START | 0 | 0 |
| Hurst | 10 | 10 |
| The Needles | 3.3 | 13.3 |
| St Catherine's Point | 12.8 | 26.1 |
| Dunnose | 5.3 | 31.4 |
| Bembridge Ledge Buoy | 7.1 | 38.5 |
| Forts | 3.9 | 42.4 |
| FINISH | 7.7 | 50.1 |
For the best views of the race start you need to get up early and go via Ward Avenue, Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria.
From Lymington drive to Milford on Sea, take road to Keyhaven, but turn right towards Hurst beach after half a mile. Park at end and walk up Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle.
From Freshwater or Totland follow signs to the Needles Car Park. Park and walk up West High Down to Needles Battery. Best view to south of Coast Guard Station.
From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to the Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.
For the best views in Ventnor, park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade.
For Bonchurch, take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is the best view.
From Ryde Esplanade, drive up the pier and park at the end. Parking is free for 30 mins, charges apply after that.
The race finishers will be passing the committee boat throughout the day. To watch the action head to the Parade and the Green on either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
