The Island sailing Club has now processed just over 1,470 entries and amongst some of the most recent it is interesting to note that, for one reason or another, a fair few have an association with flying.

We’re also starting to see some of the more high profile entries coming in now, along with one or two speed machines.

There’s also a brilliant turnout of young sailing talent signing up.

Skipper Graham Tourell will be helming Artemis Ocean Racing, an Imoca 60.

Built in 2008 the boat has also competed in the Vendée Globe and 2009 Transat Jacques Vabres.

Open 60s are one of the fastest boats in sailing - built in carbon fibre using the latest hi-tech structures, they are designed to be as light as possible for speed’s sake, but strong enough to withstand the worst the seas can throw at them.

Let’s hope they don’t have to worry too much about the latter on Race Day, Saturday June 19th!

Team GBR Olympic 49er sailor Ben Rhodes from Exmouth, Devon will be racing for fun on Lisette, a Hunter Medina 20.

Double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson will be racing on board Team Volvo 1 (the TP52 John Merricks II) and the World number one Laser sailor and 2008 Olympic Gold medallist Paul Goodison, from Sheffield, will be going round on Team Volvo 2 that is a Volvo 60 (V-Project).

The Triple Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie CBE, Paul’s previous mentor, will be racing on J.P. Morgan Asset Management Prince’s Trust (aka Fair Do’s VII) a Ker 46. As Ben reveals, “It's a boat that my Team GBR Olympic Manager Stephen 'Sparky' Park often sails but he’s not competing this year. The other crew members will be young ambassadors from the Prince’s Trust.

I am an Ambassador for the Trust so I’m really looking forward to sailing for it.”

Two Extreme 40s have signed up and there may be more to come. Firstly, the Race is delighted to welcome back Mike Golding and Ecover and there’s also an Extreme 40 entered as Team Metherell.

Mike Golding has consistently been at the forefront of the professional IMOCA Open 60 class and has achieved his various successes to great acclaim. His crew will include the Team GBR former Tornado pairing of Will Howden and Leigh McMillan.