HAMBLE sailing heroine Emma Richards returns to competitive racing in the Around the Island race.

It will be the 27-year-old's first race since she became the youngest competitor to finish the solo round-the-world race, Around Alone. Her new boat, Pindar, is undergoing a refit in preparation for the

Transat Jacques Vabre in November so she will race this weekend aboard a Europrix 45, the class being used for a new round Europe event next year.

London property developer Mike Slade has held the monohull race record on all his past yachts over the last ten years. He will be back to defend his title in the Reichel Pugh-designed 98-footer Leopard of London.

Heading the classic yacht entries is the beautiful J Class Velsheda built in 1933 and one of only three remaining.

In the Old Gaffers class, the South Coast One Design Kelpie, launched in the Solent, is probably the oldest boat in the race, celebrating her 100th birthday this year.

She has entered the Round the Island Race many times, on several occasions winning the Shamrock Trophy as first Old Gaffer to finish.

The event is being used by teams tuning up for the Admiral's Cup, taking place off the Isle of Wight next month.

Paralympic gold medallist Andy Cassell skippers Chernikeeff, sailing under the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club burgee and with 50 per cent of the crew disabled sailors.

Don't miss Ingrid Abery's BlueWater sailing column in tomorrow's Daily Echo. And don't miss next Monday's sports pullout for our report and pictures from the Around the Island race.