The first entry processed for this year’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race was from the legendary boat builder and sailor, Mr Jeremy Rogers in the family's new "greener" Contessa 32, Calypso.

Launched last year in partnership with the RYA/BMF "The Green Blue" for the PSP Southampton Boat Show, Calypso showcases a wide range of green products and technology from a hybrid engine to a real wood teak alternative called Kebony.

Jeremy Rogers' son and one of Calypso's co-owners, Kit Rogers, explains: "We wanted to build a Contessa 32, which is a classic, top quality boat with the least possible impact on the environment, and this was a perfect opportunity to show that you can do both without compromising."

As well as being the 80th Anniversary of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, 2011 also marks the 40th Anniversary of the much-loved Contessa 32, still in production from Jeremy Rogers' yard in Lymington, Hampshire.

Jeremy (73), a one-time Admiral's Cup winner and a former Yachtsman of the Year, is as renowned as his boats and he will be steering Calypso round a course he knows only too well.

In 2002/2003 and 2006 he sailed his way to victory in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race in his Contessa 26, Rosina of Beaulieu, making him the only person to have won the coveted Gold Roman Bowl three times in the same boat.

Although this race always attracts a large entry in the Contessa 32 class, Calypso will be entered under IRC rules, the only class eligible to race for the Gold Roman Bowl.

"The good thing about racing in IRC in the Round The Island is that Calypso is rather overweight for a Contessa 32, with all the extra batteries for the hybrid engine and the Kebony deck and, in IRC that weight will be taken into account," explains Jeremy.

“It's just about as exciting as a day's yacht racing can be - and we're proud to be raising money for our local hospice, Oakhaven in Lymington at the same time," he continues.

Calypso will be helmed by Jeremy and crewed by sons Simon, Kit and David, wife Fiona and daughter-in-law Jessie.

Get your entries in!

The Early Bird entry discount finishes at midnight on 5th March, so the organisers, ever mindful of looking after their competitors’ interests, are encouraging everyone to get their entries in as soon as possible.

If you don’t own your own boat or you haven’t been invited to participate as crew this year, there’s no need to sit on the sidelines.

Charter and hospitality companies are as keen as ever to encourage people to take up the sport and are offering great incentives and opportunities.