THE organisers of the Round the Island Race have launched a new cup to be awarded to the individual or team who raises the most amount of money for charity.

Last year’s race attracted over 1,600 boats and raised more than £100,000 for charity and organisers hope this year’s event will be a record in both respects.

Title sponsor JPMorgan Asset Management has awarded the first Charity Cup to Winchester yachtsman Edward Donald, who raised more than £18,000 for Leukaemia Research.

The JPMorgan Asset Management 2009 Charity Challenge will see yachts race in aid of Macmillan, Prostate UK, Breast Cancer Care and the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

Entries are now open for the race, which takes place on June 20. Until midnight on March 7, competitors can enter the race for just £65.

For more information on the Charity Challenge go to justgiving.com/roundtheisland.