Southern 100 Road Races: The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races has welcomed a significant increase in visitor arrivals by sea during the 2026 event period, with the latest figures from the Steam Packet Company highlighting continued growth in travel to the Island for the meeting.
During the key travel period surrounding this year’s meeting, a total of 9,927 passengers arrived by sea, compared with 9,272 during the equivalent period in 2025. An overall increase of 7.07%.
Motorcycle traffic also continued its upward trend, increasing by 7.85%. The number of foot passengers also rose by an impressive 16.29% year-on-year.
The figures cover all inbound sailings between 4 July and 9 July 2026, together with the 02:15 Heysham to Isle of Man sailing on 10 July, which primarily carried day-trip visitors.
The increase in visitor numbers reflects another successful week for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races, with race fans travelling from across the British Isles and further afield to experience one of the world’s premier road racing events. Alongside the racing, visitors also contributed to the Island’s wider visitor economy, supporting accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and local attractions throughout the week.
Southern 100 Chairman George Peach said: “It’s fantastic to see such encouraging growth in visitor numbers during Southern 100 week. These figures demonstrate the continued appeal of the event and the important role it plays in attracting visitors to the Isle of Man each summer.
The Southern 100 has always been about much more than racing. It’s about showcasing the Island, supporting local businesses and creating an atmosphere that brings competitors, teams, volunteers and supporters together. We’re grateful to everyone who travelled to the Isle of Man and to the many volunteers and partners who help make the event such a success.”
Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Brian Thomson, said: “We are delighted to see another year of growth in visitor numbers for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races, with increasing numbers of race fans choosing to travel to the Island and experience this fantastic event. These figures highlight the enduring appeal of road racing on the Isle of Man and the important contribution the Southern 100 makes to the Island’s visitor economy.
We have enjoyed a brilliant week of racing, with outstanding performances and a tremendous atmosphere around the Billown Course. We are proud to support the Southern 100 and look forward to working with the organisers to help the event continue its growth and success in the years ahead.“
Southern 100 would like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its continued support of the event and for providing the travel data which helps demonstrate the wider economic impact of one of the Isle of Man’s longest-established sporting events.
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What are the Southern 100 Road Races
The Isle of Man, famous as the ‘mecca of motorcycle road racing’ has since 1955 hosted a mass-start road race every July, The Southern 100 Road Races, so called as the feature race of the event was held over a race distance of 100 miles – 24 laps of the 4.25-mile Billown Course.
Over the years since 1955 the Billown Course has become as familiar as the back of the hand to the riders who have graced the ribbon of road that makes up the Southern 100 Course, based on the outskirts of Castletown.
Future British and indeed World Champions have raced around the undulating and technical course as they have headed for the chequered flag.
For over 65 years the races on the Billown Course have drawn fans and riders to experience the unique atmosphere of the …
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