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09:41 Wednesday 10 Aug 2016 Sue Pelling/AAMCWDay 5 preview – tactical day of racing in store for Youth Day

Classic conditions for the historic Victory class – photo Paul Wyeth/AAMCW

Today is Youth Day and, as the regatta reaches its halfway stage, competition across the board is beginning to intensify.  Hopefully there’ll be some good wind for crews to continue battles.

Other than winning class at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the aim among teams is to perform well enough to scoop some of top, individual trophies including the Under 25 Trophy supported by Musto, and the Young Skippers’ Trophy.

The weather, although overcast this morning, is forecast to clear before thicker cloud moves in from the mainland shore later in the day. The early morning north-westerly breeze of 10-12 knots is predicted to gradually drop during the day, becoming 6-12 knots by lunchtime.

The amount of cloud cover over the mainland will determine the afternoon winds, with clearer skies encouraging a weak sea breeze effect and the risk of the wind dropping below six knots at times.

For the first time ever the White Group dayboats will start from the Bramble line, before finishing on the Royal Yacht Squadron line. The White Group Committee Boat, for the XOD class, will be positioned in the vicinity of Lee-on-Solent.

Black Group yachts scheduled to start from a fixed line will do so from the Royal Yacht Squadron line, heading to the east, before finishing on the Shrape line off East Cowes. The Black Group Committee boat will be stationed in the western Solent, close to Thorness Bay on the Island shore.

Elsewhere at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week  there is plenty of activity both on and off the water. Watch out this afternoon for the historic Victory class demonstration race at 1730 off The Green. The boats are noticeable by their distinct ‘Z’ sail insignia. Each boat will be crewed by the regatta sponsors including Aberdeen Asset Management representatives.

Don’t’ miss the UKSA charity party tonight, which is open to all, and taking place at Shepards Wharf Marina. Head to the UKSA stand in Cowes Yacht Haven to purchase tickets.