IT IS one of the biggest maritime events of the year.

One of the world’s oldest sailing regattas is under way today as sailors and boats of all different shapes and sizes battle on the Solent.

Thousands of people have been heading through Southampton to head for this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

It's Family Day today and on Tuesday the annual Ladies Day will celebrate the contribution and achievement of women in sailing recognising some of the major successes of women in the sport.

Air aces the Red Arrows are expected to appear on Thursday as one of the highlights of the week with the annual fireworks spectacular closing out the ceremony on Friday.

Daily Echo:

Up to 40 daily races within 34 different classes will take place on the Isle of Wight from now until Saturday, August 15 with a 50-strong international fleet from 18 different countries.

One of the highlights will be the annual round the island charity race, the Artemis Challenge on Thursday (August 13).

Kate Johnson, commercial and marketing director for the event’s organisers Cowes Week Limited, said: “We expect to have approximately 100,000 visitors to Cowes throughout Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

“There is masses to watch and take part in, including lots of shoreside activities for families on Family Day today

“And there will be some fantastic racing for around 8,000 competitors, in 34 different classes but also lots of ways to enjoy the week if you’re not racing.

“You can get out on the water with one of our spectator boat rides, or try sailing yourself with the UKSA Try Sailing taster sessions."

She added: “Don’t miss the aerial displays from the Red Arrows on Thursday and the Typhoons on Friday 14, as well as the spectacular fireworks.”

Anyone still looking to race in this year’s regatta can register until 5pm the day before each race.

For more information visit aamcowesweek.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

CALENDAR OF HIGHLIGHTS
 

TODAY
Families day.
1.45pm, Cowes Parade, CBeebies’ Gemma Hunt will entertain children from followed by a meet and greet photo session.
3.15pm, Cowes Parade, falconry display.
11am to 6pm, High Street, music, entertainers and face-painting at various locations.
 

MONDAY
10am to 4pm, UKSA stand in Cowes Yacht Haven, novice sailors can try sailing (£5 per person).

TUESDAY
Ladies Day.
1.30pm to 5.30pm, Cowes Parade, ladies afternoon tea.
5.30pm, The Green, five-time World Champion and Team Volvo Kitesurfing athlete Steph Bridge putting on a kitesurfing display.

WEDNESDAY
6pm to 10pm, Shepards Wharf Marina, people can party like a pirate with disabled charity Toe in the Water
6.30pm to 8pm. Royal Ocean Racing Club, 90th Anniversary celebration cocktail party.

THURSDAY
10am Celebrities join professionals in the Artemis Challenge race around the island.
6.50pm Red Arrows display over the Isle of Wight.

FRIDAY
7.10pm RAF Typhoon Display over Cowes.
9.30pm Cowes Week Fireworks Display.
 

SATURDAY
7pm, Cowes Yacht Haven, prize giving.