Edwards eyes Round the Island race

Maiden II arrived back in Southampton on Thursday

Maiden II skipper Tracy Edwards and her 13-strong crew will be hoping to add the Round the Island race to their list of honours on Saturday.

The race around the Isle of Wight will feature 1,600 yachts and almost 13,000 sailors.

Maiden II achieved the honour of the fastest sailing boat in the world just over a week ago by sailing 697 nautical miles in 24 hours in the North Atlantic.

Edwards sets 24-hour record

Edwards and her crew are hoping to add the Solent's annual test of nerve to her impressive CV.

They have their sights set on the race's record mark of three hours, eight minutes and 29 seconds - set by Francis Joyon's trimaran Dexia Eure et Loir in 2001.

Dubbed "the London Marathon of yachting", the 50 nautical-mile course will begin on Saturday at 0830 BST at the Royal Yacht Squadron starting line.

Last year's overall winners, owner Peter Morton and co-entrant Adam Gosling aboard Mandrake, are to defend the Gold Roman Bowl Trophy.

A strong challenge is also expected from 2000 winner Cloud Nine.