English Chess Forum

Hi, looking for a bit of an audience gauge if you would not mind helping.

I'm considering a 2nd version of the Isle of Wight Tournament.

Details
Late September 2026 - In school term time.
Entry 16+ only.
x7 Rounds FIDE/ECF rated 90+30

Similar schedule to the Feb Weekday Monday to Friday.

Requiring 4 nights hotel stay and 5 working days off.
I would also plan evening events and socials.

Likely 3 or 4 rating sections.

I have a nice sea view hotel for this in a great part of the island with lot's going on, bars, restaurants tourist attractions.
By running it in the week players would benefit from very cheap room rates and get to enjoy the island when it's likely sunny and a bit quiter.

Ferry discounts for cars would be available, and I would consider putting on a coach from Portsmouth or Southampton if there was enough interest. This means players just pay a low coach fare cost and avoid worrying about the Ferry and getting to the venue.

The goal would be to attract adult players who want a chess holiday similar to Spanish tournaments, it would not be a norms event.

The weekend may be followed by a Congress or Rapid / Blitz but my current preference is to end on Friday so it's cheap for people to stay.

Would this be of interest? Would you travel for it?

Estimates:
Entry £50
Hotel £200 to £300, 4 nights incl breakfast (Evening meal option).

Travel from Portsmouth or Southampton, return
On Foot £30
By Car £80
Coach if avail £20

Thanks, Dave
https://www.iowchess.com



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Sounds good to me, especially this year as I have a gap in my calendar that I am looking to fill between Riviera in early Sep and Calvià in early Oct.
The only thing that would slightly put me off is double-round days.

Tim Spanton wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 20, 2025 8:16 am

Sounds good to me, especially this year as I have a gap in my calendar that I am looking to fill between Riviera in early Sep and Calvià in early Oct.
The only thing that would slightly put me off is double-round days.

Sorry - just seen this is about 2026 rather than 2025.. Nevertheless the general tone of my comment still applies.

Obviously I can't commit to anything at over a year's distance but this might suit me for next year. I did enjoy this year's event.