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09:49 Saturday 6 Aug 2016 Rupert Holmes/CWLA glorious start in prospect

Cowes is bathed in sun and a solid sea breeze is forecast for this afternoon

The opening day of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week dawned with clear skies and glorious sun. A solid sea breeze is forecast for this afternoon promising classic Solent racing in glorious conditions for a stunning fleet of almost 800 boats.

The patchy west north-westerly breeze this morning is too light and variable to get racing under way at the scheduled start time. All classes therefore have a two-hour postponement while race officials wait for the breeze to swing to the south of west and fill in with a consistent strength and direction.

Once the starting sequences get underway, Black Group yachts starting in the Bramble line will head west to race in the western Solent, before finishing on the Royal Yacht Squadron line, while the Black Group committee boat is expected to be stationed near Browndown, on the north shore of the eastern Solent. The intention is for White Group dayboat classes, including the XODs, to start on RYS line, heading to the west, before routing to race predominately in the Eastern Solent, finishing on the Shrape line off East Cowes.

The most prestigious prize of the day is the Queen’s Cup, which is awarded by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, having been presented to the club by Queen Victoria in 1897. The largest yachts in the regatta, those in IRC Class 0, will be racing for it today, with the winner presented with the trophy at the Royal Yacht Squadron this evening.

On shore there’s a real buzz, with a Rio-theme carnival atmosphere continuing around town. From 1130 acts and bands will be parading through the main streets, Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Wharf Marina.

There will also be plenty of other music and entertainment all day on the High Street, Cowes Parade, and Shepards Wharf Marina. Northwood House is open for cream teas on the Eastern Lawn, followed by a Gin and Jazz Night at 2000-2300.