About Us
The Island Sailing Club was founded in 1889 as an alternative to some of the more exclusive sailing clubs being established in Cowes. Affectionately known as ‘The Friendly Club’, the Club has a rich history in yachting and racing and offers a wide range of sailing and social activities for all preferences and abilities.
The Club organises the annual Round the Island Race, a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. Regularly attracting around 1500 boats and around 15,000 sailors, Round the Island Race is one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest sporting participation event in the UK. A member of Cowes Combined Clubs, the Club helps organise Cowes Week – one of the oldest and most prestigious regattas in the world. Over seven days in August, Cowes Week offers a mix of competitive and social activities regularly attracting around 1000 boats and around 10,000 sailors. Competitors range from Olympic and world-class professional to weekend sailors.
Each summer, the Club meets members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club for a ‘quintessentially English’ match of cricket on the Brambles Sandbar in the Solent.
Our Patron
HRH The Princess Royal
Admiral & ISC Board
Admiral
Major General Sir Martin White KCVO CB CBE JP
Flag Officers And Directors
Ian Pretty
Commodore
Board Portfolio: Future Club strategy & business planning, communications and business development.
I have lived in Cowes since 2015 and joined the Island Sailing Club shortly after. I am an avid sailor and race on Contessa32s as well as enjoying more gentle sails around the Solent and further afield. I have served on the Club’s Board for over four years including as Vice and Rear Commodore. I became Commodore in September 2025.
The Club is an incredible place for sailors – irrespective of expertise – to meet, share their passions, and learn from each another. It is also a great place for those who want to simply socialise and enjoy the fantastic views from our Clubhouse across the Solent.
Trine Kvinnesland
Vice Commodore
Board Portfolio: Community engagment and property management of the Club’s estate.
Trine Kvinnesland is a retired solicitor who lives in Cowes. She is a keen Tuesday and Thursday night sailor and well known to many members of the Club.
Kieran Ward
Rear Commodore, Sailing
Board Portfolio: Club sailing activities including the Round the Island Race, Cowes Week, other annual regattas and activities to get people out on the water.
I am a passionate sailor, having sailed since my early teens. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to crew on a yacht despite my very little experience at the time, everything I have learnt has been taught by fellow sailors or learnt through trial and error. I now want to start to give that knowledge back by utilising the plethora of highly skilled sailors, resources and facilities we have at the Club and in Cowes. I look forward to helping the Club grow and encouraging the next generation of sailors.
Antony Sweet
Treasurer
Board Portfolio: Financial strategy and management.
I joined the Island Sailing Club as Treasurer in 2019. Prior to that, I had visited the Club on many occasions, as my wife is a member and a very experienced sailor. The Club plays an important part in Cowes and UK sailing more generally and, as Treasurer, I’m pleased to play a role in ensuring that is maintained.
Phil Cracknell
Director
Phil has been a member of the ISC for a number of years and seen many changes. He became a Director to make a difference in those changes and still supports the directorate in it decisions for the benefit of the members and visitors.
Phil has spent most of his life at sea in many guises and maintains that passion within his current work role in maritime security and in his leisure activities. He lives in Cowes and is well known across the island.
Club Professional Team
Kate Case
General Manager
I grew up next to the water and the Island Sailing Club has always had a very special place in my heart; it’s an extension of my home and family.
I love working at the Club; everyone is passionate about it and everything it represents. We all feel very responsible for protecting and preserving the Club’s heritage and ensuring everyone who interacts with the Club has an enjoyable and memorable experience.
David Flanders
Front of House Manager
With my love of sailing and the sea, and a passion for food and excellent service – the cornerstone of my profession – it was only natural that I joined the Island Sailing Club. This Club means a lot to me; from the rich sailing heritage to the many great childhood memories of visiting with my grandparents during Cowes Week. I’m very proud to be part of such an amazing organisation.
Abby Bird
Operations & RIR Officer
I was drawn away from another Solent-based yacht club because the chance to work for the team behind the world-famous Round the Island Race was too hard to resist.
The Club really is the friendliest yacht club in Cowes and holds a very special place in my heart. The team are great and we all enjoy coming to work together every day.
Allison Cooper
Membership & Benefits Officer
Raised in Asia but connected to the island for over 30 years through family, I joined the Club well before settling permanently in Cowes, an experience that helped enormously in building lasting friendships and feeling very much part of the community. With over 25 years’ experience in hospitality, a lifelong love of the sea and the support of an exceptionally friendly and dedicated team, I am passionate about making members feel as welcome and supported at the Club as I have been.