Isle of Wight team win gold at Round the Island Race 2024

See photos from the race in gallery above

The TP52 Notorious won first overall in the IRC Class and scooped the Gold Roman Bowl and Observer Trophy for Monohull Line honours.

Cowes-based winning racing team Notorious (Image: Pamela Parker)

See photos: Crew member rescued after falling overboard during Round the Island Race

Cowes resident Peter Morton, owner and skipper of Notorious, said: “I’ve not had the boat that long, but I’ve competed in Round the Island Race many times over the last 50 years in various boats I’ve owned.

“It’s one of the most famous yacht races in the world, and we went out to try and win.

“It’s been 40 years since I won it on a little 25ft boat called ‘Odd Job’, so today was very special for me.”

First and second across the line at Cowes Highland Fling 18, left, and 28 Oceans (Image: Pamela Parker)

The first boat to cross the finish line was the multihull Highland Fling 18, which completed the race in three hours, 39 minutes and five seconds, winning the Freedom Challenge Bowl.

Irvine Laidlaw, owner and helm of Highland Fling 18, said: “It was the first event for us in 2024, and we’ve travelled over 3,000 miles from Palma to be here, but it’s worth it!

“I thoroughly enjoyed the race – it is such a great race, and I like the fact we go around an island with the start and finish in the same place. It’s rather satisfying.”

Our wonderful lifeboat crews (Image: Pamela Parker)

The prizegiving ceremony was held at noon today (Sunday, June 16) at the Official Race Venue on Cowes Parade.

A huge congratulations to all competitors for managing the tough conditions!

The 2025 edition of the race will be on Saturday 21 June.

Dave Atkinson, race director, said: “This race was a challenge for both the competitors and the race team at the Island Sailing Club, with the safety and well-being of the crews being the main priority.

“We would like to thank the RNLI, independent lifeboats and coastguard teams for their assistance and co-operation before and during the race on Saturday.

"Despite the challenging conditions we only had nine incidents connected to the race which is less than previous years, this shows the seamanship of the crews and the correct decision making that went into undertaking of the race.”

Mark Southwell, race safety officer and station manager at Cowes RNLI, said: “The sailors who competed made the right call and had a challenging but no doubt enjoyable race they'll remember.

"Those who cancelled or retired as they sensed conditions approaching The Needles also made the right decision.

"Yesterday was a good day for safety at sea. This is a race for everyone and everyone made the right call, we thank you for that.”