The Largest Yacht Event in the World
Saturday, 7th June 2025
First fleet 07.30 am
With professional sailors, amateur crews, families and first-timers competing in the same 50 nautical mile course, it is truly a breath-taking sight. Starting at 7.30 am on Saturday morning, the yachts race counter-clockwise around the island. Canons fire at the start of every fleet
Starting on the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes early morning on Saturday, 15th June, the fleet races around the Isle of Wight in an anticlockwise direction. There are many viewpoints around the island coastline.
Spectators can enjoy a fantastic view of all the action from many points on the breath-taking coastline. The Official Race Village (free to enter) opens from Friday, 5pm.t Cowes Yacht Haven.
On the night. There will be live bands, drinks, food and sponsor stands. The official charity partner in 2025 is the RNLI.
Are there offers or promotions for this event? YES.
START of RACE
Cowes - 07.30 - 09.10
50.7628° N, 1.3005° W
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.
Sconce Point – 09.00-11.30
50°42'25"N 1°31'20"W
From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria.
Hurst Point – 09.00-11.30
50.7079° N, 1.5504° W
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.
The Needles – 09.30-12.00
50.6626° N, 1.5898° W
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.
St. Catherine’s Point – 11.00-15.00
50.5756° N, 1.2935° W
From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to the Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.
Ventnor & Bonchurch – 11.15–16.00
50.5955° N, 1.2061° W
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.
Ryde Pier – 13.00-19.00
50.7365° N, 1.1609° W
From Ryde Esplanade, drive up the pier and park at the end. Parking is free for 30 mins, charges apply after that.
Race Finish Line
Cowes – 11.30-22.00
50.7628° N, 1.3005° W
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.
