Following the disappointment no racing yesterday, the 800-plus teams competing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week are eager to get on the water today.
The wind is up and young sailing teams are keen to continue their battles in their quest to win one of the two top main youth trophies – the Under 25 Trophy and the Young Skippers’ Trophy. One of the other most significant trophies of the week – the Britannia Cup – for IRC 0 Class, also takes place today.
There are also plenty of on-the-water prizes up for grabs following yesterday's lack of racing. Kate Johnson – Commercial and Marketing Director CWL – commenting on the re-scheduling of some of the yesterday's events, said: "We had to postpone our Ladies Day on-the-water plans due to all racing being abandoned.
"We’re looking forward to seeing boats with women on board flying their Ladies Day flags today instead, and a prizegiving RIB will be out looking for them. Female helms are also competing for the Ariel Trophy which will be awarded today. We’re delighted to have 84 entries for the trophy this year, good luck ladies!"
The weather situation shows an east-north-easterly air flow over The Solent area, which should make for excellent racing conditions. The 8-10 knots of breeze expected mid morning will build to 10-15 knots by mid afternoon, with possible stronger gusts
IRC Big Boat Class racing commences today, with five 60-72ft yachts heading on a downwind start from an extended RYS line. They will head to the west, before finishing on the Bramble line.
The Black Group committee boat will be in the western Solent beyond Beaulieu, with boats finishing from the west on the Bramble line.
Black Group yachts scheduled to start on the fixed Bramble line will head east, before finishing from the west on the Shrape line off East Cowes.
White Group dayboats, apart from the XODs, will start on the Royal Yacht Squadron line heading west and will race on predominately windward/leeward legs between Calshot and Stansore Point, before returning to finish on the RYS line from the west.
XODs will start on the Shrape line, before joining the rest of the White Group classes finishing on the RYS line.
For earlier news stories, as well as results, videos and photographs from previous years, visit our comprehensive Regatta Archive.