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10:12 Saturday 4 Aug 2018 Sue Pelling/LCWDay 1 preview – Good breeze on opening day of Lendy Cowes Week 2018

Preparing for the opening race – photo Paul Wyeth/LCW

Glorious summer weather continues for Sustainability Day – the opening day of Lendy Cowes Week 2018. Teams are already heading onto the water to prepare for a the first starts and the wind is up to 12kts from the north, which bodes well for a good day’s racing.

The biggest class start, with 100 boats on the line, is the Squib class, contesting its national championship in its 50^th anniversary year. For a taste of the sort of super-competitive spirit expected throughout the week, head to the Royal Yacht Squadron to watch the start at 1215.

Competition for the Royal Southampton YC’s Armitage Challenge Cup for Class Zero is also expected to create some interesting racing today, as is IRC Class 1 racing for the Vanduara Bowl. 

Weather

Today is another brilliantly sunny day on the Solent, with temperatures expected to reach 27C later in the day. This morning’s northerly breeze, which started at 12-15 knots continues offering good conditions for the early starters.

Activities

In keeping with Sustainability Day, sustainability-themed events are happening throughout the day including the 1851 Trust Workshop –  Plastic ‘Not’ so’ Fantastic, between 1115-1230 on Cowes Parade. There is also the 1851 Trust Workshop – Renewable Energy at 1415. 

Elsewhere in Cowes plenty of other activities are planned including Diam 24 trimaran racing off The Green from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 1700. Take a stroll along the High Street or Cowes Parade, do a spot of shopping, and enjoy the music, which kicks off with Martin Newman at 1400 on Cowes Parade and, for children’s entertainment, Twisted Inflations in Cowes Yacht Haven starts at 1400.

Alternatively, take a walk up the hill to Northwood House for Afternoon Tea on the Eastern Lawn, and check out the Big Wheel for a great view of Cowes. Or stop off on Cowes Parade for refreshments at Opihr Gin bar – the official gin of Lendy Cowes Week.