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This annual 55-mile circuit of the Isle of Wight is one of the greatest spectacles in sport as up to 1,800 boats of all shapes and sizes take to the water.Ìý

Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the JP Morgan Round the Island Race is completely 'democratic'.Ìý Beginners and leisure sailors can compete alongside the sport's greats - this year including Dame Ellen MacArthur as well as Olympic medallists Ben Ainslee and Shirley Robertson.Ìý

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Sir Robin Knox Johnston will present Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio Solent's H2O Show live from Cowes to capture all the pre-race atmosphere from 1900 BST on Friday.

And on Saturday look out for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio Solent's Neil Sackley who will be broadcasting live from on board Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's boat, Grey Power from 1100 - 1400 BST and follow his Twitter feed below.

Vantage Points (Times are approximate and weather-dependant)

Visitors can capture the excitement of the start of event in Cowes from 07.30 until 09.10 when the famous Royal Yacht Squadron cannons will be fired to mark the staggered start of the race.ÌýÌýÌý

The iconic view of hundreds of yachts passing the Needles Lighthouse happens from 08.35 - 12.30.

Sailing in the Solent

A free Southern Vectis shuttle bus will be running every 30 minutes from 07.00 - 09.00Ìýbetween Alum Bay’s Needles Park attraction and the Needles New Battery for unparalleled views of the colourful spinnakers.Ìý

There is also the offer of a hearty cooked breakfast at the Needles Old Battery – a tradition on Round the Island race day.Ìý (Normal National Trust admissions charges apply.)

To follow the race fleet, continue along the south coast of the Island to St Catherine’s Lighthouse (09.30 - 14.30) and then up to Sandown Bay and on to Bembridge (11.00 - 17.30), the most easterly point of the Island.Ìý

The yachts will be visible from Ryde Esplanade 12.00 - 1900 when its exciting to watch the race tactics change as the water depth rapidly goes from 30ft to 5ft and boats run the risk of running aground at this penultimate stage of the race.ÌýÌý

The fleet then makes its way across Osborne Bay to the finish line back at Cowes (13.00 - 22.30).

Osborne House (normal English Heritage admission charges apply) or East Cowes Esplanade offer fantastic views of the concluding stages of the race. Ìý

As well as all the action out on the water, there’s entertainment ashore at the Regatta Village in Cowes Yacht Haven with live music and DJs throughout the weekend.ÌýThe village opens at 15.00 on Friday 19 June and 12 noon on Saturday 20 June.