Sailors from around New England are expected to convene for the Edgartown Yacht Clubs annual Round the Island race on August 1.

The yacht clubs annual regatta and other sailing events have been canceled this year, but the 52.5-nautical mile race around the Island will go on as planned, club organizers said.

Starting in the Edgartown harbor, the race course runs around Cape Pogue, then Wasque, and then along the south shore before turning at the Gay Head Cliffs to traverse Vineyard Sound and cross the finish line back in the Edgartown Harbor. The race is an annual Island event that dates to 1938, missing only a few years during World War II.

Race co-chairman Alex Nugent said about 50 boats have signed up so far. Mr. Nugent said many teams are returning sailors, but there are some newcomers. We have a good mix, its a lot of local, southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island teams, he said.

Its going to feel very different this year, Mr. Nugent also said. Were keeping everything isolated to the boats. Its really about keeping the safety of the folks of the Island in mind. This year theres really not much to it on our end. Were setting the starting line and then giving people an opportunity to race.

The course passes seven lighthouses, starting with the Edgartown Light, then Cape Pogue, Gay Head, Tarpaulin Cove, Nobska, West and East Chop. Race participants have the option to either sail around Nomans or cut between it and Marthas Vineyard, depending on wind and tides.

Mr. Nugent, who grew up summering on the Vineyard and learned to sail at the Edgartown Yacht Club, has raced around the Island before. He said the most challenging part of the course is the turn around Wasque.

It depends on the breeze. When its super light, the current off Wasque can pull people into the shoals and that gets really tricky. Its caused issues in the past. In a light breeze thats a top concern for people, he said.

After the race, a virtual ceremony will be held to award six different trophies.

Registration is still open. To register and for more information, visit edgartownyc.org.

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Martha's Vineyard News | Round the Island Race Set for August 1 - The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News