1st July 2023 The Round the Island yacht race  is a prestigious one day race around the Isle of Wight. This is one of the largest one day yacht races in the world, attracting over 1,000 boats and competition was fierce for this challenging 50 nautical mile course.

 The volunteer watchkeepers at the National Coastwatch Institution stations ac Bembridge, Needles, Gosport, Calshot Tower, Stone Point and Lee-on-the-Solent  provided the organisers of the Round The Island race with extra safety support and looked out for the safety of the competitors. All of the competitors were advised to call NCI on VHF Channel 65 for radio checks and the event support boats were also to call on Ch 65 if required. The NCI stations also provided regular local weather and sea state updates to the event race team.

Our stations around the coasts are always watching out for your safety every day of the year, keeping an eye on those on land and at sea. Next time you set sail, don't forget they are always on hand on VHF Ch 65 to provide you with radio checks and the latest information on local conditions.