RTIR 2012 last chance to enter

There are 1627 boats entered for the 81st edition of the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on Saturday 30 June, with just two days left to enter if you haven't yet. Will you be competing against the likes of Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard who is due to defend the monohull record of 3hrs 53 05 seconds, set in 2008 on the Farr 100 sloop? Francis Joyon will be racing his bright red Maxi Multihull IDEC in a bid to at least retain, if not beat, his multihull record of 3hrs 08 mins 29 secs, set in 2001.

Entries close at noon on Saturday 23 June, go to the RTIR website to enter here. If you need more encouragement, read the guidance from Charles Whittam and Graham Broadway on how to enter and what you need to know to participate.

Race Day this year is also Armed Forces Day, a charity event which is encouraging participants to show support for the Armed Forces by flying the supporters flag on the day (and raise money too). Find out more by visiting the Armed Forces Day website.

If you just want a flavour of some of the competitors, read the stories behind the boats in Peta Stuart-Hunt's article on the Round the Island Race website.

And don't forget, if you are taking part, please email the webeditor your stories of the day for inclusion in the Summer issue of the Little Ship magazine and reports on the website. Photos are easy to find, but your personal accounts of your experiences are priceless!