With just 12 days to go to this year’s JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, entry numbers are showing an increase on 2006, already standing at a current total of 1,738, the second largest in the history of the race. Over 12,000 sailors across the whole spectrum of the sport will be lining up on the start line at Cowes.

Classic 53-foot ketch Gipsy Moth IV, recently returned from her second round the world passage, will be sailing for charity.Those on board for the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race will include people undergoing treatment or in remission from cancer.

The event will certainly be putting a smile on the face of America’s Cup skipper and Olympic gold medallist Iain Percy, who will be racing on 8.5metre canting-keel sportsboat Skandia Big Grin. The race will give an exciting break from Iain and Andy’s Beijing training programme. Other Olympic sailors taking to different crafts for the day include double gold medallist Shirley Robertson, Nick Rogers and Paul Goodison.

Entries to the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race must be received by 12 noon on Saturday 16th June.

A bespoke website has been set up to facilitate charity entries. To register, simply go to www.justgiving.com/roundtheisland Competitors can help fight cancer by supporting the race’s charity partners: Macmillan, Breast Cancer Care, Prostate Research Campaign UK and The Ellen MacArthur Trust, or choose their own charity.