A Classic West Coast Sailing Challenge
The Round Raasay Race is one of the premier yacht racing events on Scotland's west coast. Organised by Skye Sailing Club and starting from Portree on Saturday 18 July 2026, this popular pursuit race takes competitors around the Isle of Raasay through the spectacular waters of the Sound of Raasay and the Inner Sound. Combining competitive sailing, stunning Highland scenery and a warm welcome in Portree, the Round Raasay Race attracts local crews and visiting yachts from across Scotland each year.
Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
Location: Portree, Isle of Skye
Race Type: Pursuit Yacht Race
Course: Around the Isle of Raasay
Organiser: Skye Sailing Club
Open To: Visiting and local yachts
One of Scotland's Most Scenic Yacht Races
The Round Raasay Race is one of the highlight yacht racing events in the Skye Sailing Club calendar, attracting sailors from across the west coast of Scotland for a challenging and spectacular race around the Isle of Raasay.
Starting and finishing in Portree on the Isle of Skye, this pursuit race takes competitors through the waters of the Sound of Raasay and the Inner Sound, surrounded by some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Scottish Highlands. With the Cuillin mountains rising above Skye to the west and the rugged coastline of Raasay close at hand, the race offers a unique combination of competitive sailing and unforgettable scenery.
Round Raasay Race 2026
Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
The Round Raasay Race is open to yachts and dayboats and is sailed as a pursuit handicap race. Individual start times are calculated using CYCA handicaps, allowing boats of different sizes and performance levels to compete together and encouraging a close finish between competitors.
The race is based on an estimated eight-hour passage for a yacht with a CYCA rating of 25. This format creates exciting racing throughout the fleet, with boats gradually converging as they approach the finish.
The Course
The race course takes competitors around the Isle of Raasay, one of Scotland's most distinctive islands. Depending on weather and sea conditions, the Race Officer may adjust the course to ensure safe and competitive racing.
The route can present a variety of tactical challenges, including tidal streams, changing wind conditions and strategic decisions around the north and south ends of Raasay. Success depends not only on boat speed but also on navigation, local knowledge and race management.
Why Enter the Round Raasay Race?
The Round Raasay Race combines competitive yacht racing with some of the finest sailing scenery in Scotland. Competitors race through the Sound of Raasay and the Inner Sound beneath the Cuillin mountains, navigating changing tides, shifting wind conditions and one of the most spectacular race courses on the west coast.
Whether you are campaigning a racing yacht or sailing a cruising boat with friends, the pursuit race format creates close competition throughout the fleet and a memorable day on the water.
Sailing Around Raasay
Few yacht races in Scotland offer scenery to match the Round Raasay Race.
Competitors sail beneath the dramatic Red Cuillin and Black Cuillin mountain ranges of Skye while navigating the waters between Skye, Raasay and the Scottish mainland. The course passes through areas renowned for their natural beauty, marine wildlife and constantly changing sea conditions.
Whether you are racing for a podium position or simply enjoying a day on the water, the Round Raasay Race delivers a memorable sailing experience in one of the UK's most spectacular cruising grounds.
Visiting Boats and Crews
Visiting competitors are warmly welcomed by Skye Sailing Club.
Portree provides an excellent base for the event, with visitor moorings, local accommodation, restaurants, shops and transport connections available nearby. The race is an ideal opportunity to combine competitive yacht racing with a sailing visit to the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides.
Entries
Entry details, sailing instructions and race information will be published on this page in advance of the event.
Competitors are encouraged to submit entries early to assist race planning and handicap calculations.
For further information about the Round Raasay Race, yacht racing on Skye or Skye Sailing Club events, please contact the club or follow our latest updates through the website and social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Round Raasay Race?
The Round Raasay Race is an annual yacht race organised by Skye Sailing Club. Competitors sail around the Isle of Raasay in a pursuit handicap format designed to bring the fleet together at the finish.
Where does the race start?
The race starts and finishes in Portree on the Isle of Skye.
Can visiting yachts enter?
Yes. Visiting yachts and crews are welcome, subject to the event's entry requirements and sailing instructions.
Is the race suitable for cruising yachts?
Yes. The pursuit handicap format is designed to accommodate a range of yacht types and performance levels.
How long is the race?
The exact course may vary depending on conditions, but competitors should expect a substantial day race around the Isle of Raasay and around 40nm covered.
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