News - 2017

09:37 Sunday 30 Jul 2017 Sue Pelling/LCWDay 2 preview Wind arrives for Lendy Cowes Week Family Day

Photo – Paul Wyeth/LCW

A glorious day of sailing is expected for Lendy Cowes Week Family Day as wind is forecast to build throughout the day. In celebration of Family Day, there is a packed schedule of activities planned and already there is a real family buzz along the High Street as floods of visitors head to the Island specifically to celebrate the day.

Weather outlook

Today is forecast to be bright and predominately sunny, with only a slight chance of an isolated shower later this afternoon or early this evening. It will also be significantly windier than yesterday, with the early morning’s west-north-westerly breeze of 10-12 knots backing to the south-west and increasing to 12-16 knots by mid morning. It will continue to increase during the day, reaching a blustery 16-22 knots by mid afternoon, with gusts of 25-28 knots.

Courses

Black Group yachts starting from the Bramble line will start towards the west, before finishing under spinnaker on the Royal Yacht Squadron line. The Black Group Committee Boat will be stationed off the north shore of the eastern Solent, with the classes starting here finishing on the Bramble line.

White Group dayboats with the exception of the XOD class, will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line heading towards the west, before looping back to race predominately to the east of the Bramble Bank and finish on the Shrape line off East Cowes. The XOD start will be from the Bramble line, after the conclusion of the Black Group starting sequence.

Activities to celebrate family day include the Andrew Simpson Foundation Discover Sailing children’s taster sessions supported by Lendy, for children aged between 8-14. Sign up at the Andrew Simpson Foundation stand on Cowes Parade.

Spectators on shore can enjoy the live music, which kicks off at 1400 on Cowes Parade and Cowes Yacht Haven. Watch out for Sound Latino, Simon & Heidi, TJ Reloaded (a Tom Jones Tribute) and Andrew Browing as George Michael on Cowes Parade.

Along the High Street families can enjoy joining in the facepainting fun, glitter tattoos, and there is a host of other family-themed events throughout the day. For some rest and relaxation, head to Northwood House for Afternoon Tea, or a Gin Masterclass with Mermaids Gin and Fever-Tree between 1400-1500.

For a taste of the action on the water, why not sign up for a RIB ride? Available throughout the week, with 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1330, 1430 and 1530 departures. Sign up at the marquee in Cowes Yacht Haven marina every day during the regatta from 0900-1630hrs.