The stunning classic yacht Kelpie will compete in the 2023 Round the Island Race

 The Island Sailing Club's Race Team are delighted to announce that Kelpie, the famous 57ft gaff cutter classic yacht, will be racing in this year's Round the Island Race within the ISCRS Fleet. She joins the growing number of boats taking part in the Race that encouragingly total more than at the same point last year.

Kelpie (a South Coast One Design) was designed by Alfred Mylne and built in Southampton in 1903. She has undergone many restorations, including the gaff cutter's rig in the first half of this century when Richard Bendy first owned her. Kelpie became well known at Solent regattas and won the Gaffers Class in Round the Island Race over 15 times. Richard then sold her, but he bought his beloved Kelpie back earlier this year and now has big race plans for her.

Richard Bendy said: "I'm delighted to be racing beautiful Kelpie this summer on the Solent. Round the Island Race has always been a huge highlight, as we have so many happy memories and indeed won a few class trophies! I'm gathering old and new crew together and we can't wait to put her through her paces on the 1st July."

For Race information, the 2023 Notice of Race and to enter, go to the event website www.roundtheisland.org.uk