Council to sponsor round Britain yacht race

Shetland Islands Council is to be the title sponsor of the Round Britain and Ireland sailing race next year. It will be the second time the authority has backed the notoriously difficult two-handed event.

The race, which has been hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club every four years since 1966, starts in Plymouth on 6th June. Lerwick is one of the four compulsory stops.

Douglas Irvine, the council’s business development manager, said: “We supported the RB&I in 2006 and found it to be a great way to introduce sailors to the delights of Shetland. We are thrilled to be a part of it again and look forward to welcoming the competitors to the island with a real Shetland welcome.”

Peter Taylor, race director of RB&I 2010, said: “Shetland Islands Council is a great fit with the race and we are delighted to welcome them onboard once again as title sponsor. The RWYC has hosted this race for more than 40 years and this is its 12th edition. This is a tough race and the competitors have to be prepared for some very testing conditions.”

Entries will be limited to 50 boats so competitors should get in touch with the RWYC as soon as possible.