As Race Director, I’m responsible for all aspects of the race and coordinating the activities of the various race management, commercial and technical teams. I also work closely with all the fantastic club staff to deliver the race. It’s a year-round operation, which often starts before the current year’s race has even taken place! My highlights are the many compliments we receive from those taking part and hearing the competitors’ stories of the day. It’s truly a ‘Race for All’.

I manage the operational delivery of the race, working alongside the Race Director, Race Partners and various committees. My favourite moments are very early in the morning on race day, when I can feel the high energy levels in the club, among the competitors and staff, and also the excitement of watching the race unfold from the terrace.

I work all-year round planning the race, from liaising with all the relevant authorities, harbour masters, safety crews and results service, to co-ordinating the many volunteers we need to run this amazing event. It’s always an early start for me but I love the sight of a sunrise over The Solent, with hundreds of boats preparing to start their race adventure.

As a World Sailing International Judge, I became responsible for the rules of the race many years ago. My role involves me writing the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions and putting together the protest panels. Plenty of competitors will know me from the work I do in rating the boats for the ISCRS Class. My favourite part of the day is watching the starts from the RYS platform and trying to guess the challenges the day will bring.

I’m responsible for the entries and admin functions of the race, as well as planning the prize-giving. I really enjoy being in charge of all the amazing trophies. It’s fantastic watching the boats go from a name on a page, to the tracker and then seeing the crews in person when they arrive at the prize-giving event.

I’m in charge of the club’s hospitality over the race weekend and, as the event host, we need to make an extra special impression on all our members and guests when they walk through our door. It’s great to welcome everyone back into the club after the race, all the restaurants and bars are buzzing with stories of their time on the water.

I am responsible for the PR and marketing activity around the race. It’s such a huge event and one which attracts interest from people all over the world. Sharing such inspiring and interesting stories about their experiences is a great privilege. Whether you are racing or spectating, there is something for everyone during Round the Island.