Racing got underway this morning for Day 1 of the annual Cowes Week regatta, in sunny conditions with a great SW breeze. Leading the fleet away from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 1030 was the 24-strong Cape 31 class, who have two scheduled races today, followed closely by the larger Black Group boats, setting off on courses set predominantly in the western Solent.

Because of the anticipated conditions, with winds expected to increase throughout the day, the Race Committee have designed short courses to ensure boats are ashore before some gustier conditions set in for the afternoon. The smaller White Group boats are racing in the more sheltered eastern Solent, with the J/70 and SB20 classes doing up to three windward leeward races.

Similar windy conditions are forecast for tomorrow, Sunday, and the Race Committee will be keeping a close eye on anticipated wind strengths as they plan racing for the near 500-strong fleet of boats taking part in this year’s event.