The future of the Round the Island Race looks secure after sponsors J.P. Morgan Asset Management announce they will continue to back the event until 2012.

The annual race around the Isle of Wight draws over 16,000 sailors of different ages and abilities and has raised more than £350,000 for cancer charities over the last three years.

The deal will also support new initiatives to help participants and spectators engage with the race, including a GPS tracking system, an online photo gallery and free water taxis between the Folly and Cowes Yacht Haven.

The online tracking system will allow competitors with GPS-equipped mobile phones or laptops to continuously log their position as they sail around the Island creating a virtual map of the race as it unfolds.

The new software will be available to download in the Spring following the completion of successful trials.

Speaking on behalf of the Island Sailing Club, Sonia Mayes said:
“We are aware of the tough times that sports sponsorship continues to go through and to be able to have that security of a title sponsor through to 2012 is an immense relief.”

Entries open on 21 January 2010, see the Round the Island Race website more details.