Thousands of yachts gathered in the Solent on Saturday for the annual Cowes Week regatta, but it was a slow start after calm seas....

SIZZLING temperatures, beer tents, decorative bunting and a thousand yachts ready to go.

The only thing missing from the start of Skandia Cowes Week was the wind.

Exceptionally calm sea conditions on the Solent meant the first event of the world's biggest regatta had to be postponed.

The Royal Yacht Squadron cannon had been due to fire its first warning signal on Saturday morning to start the countdown for the laser SB3 and 1720 Sports Boat Classes to start.

But instead of racing boats skimming the water, spectators along the Parade and the green could only see dozens of vessels of all shapes and sizes lined up at their moorings.

However, visitors and sailors did not have to wait long for some racing action after the Black Group Race in the West Solent was the first to start 1.30pm.

The delay failed to take away any of the excitement and anticipation surrounding the unique atmosphere of Cowes Week, now in its 178th year.

Hundreds of people mingled together, walking around Cowes Yacht Haven, soaking up the summery rays and enjoying late breakfast.

Tea, bacon butties and crepes were all served up at the array of different eateries open for business during the eight-day event.

A huge drinks marquee and stage, the centrepiece of the week's evening entertainment, have also been put up.

Jugglers, unicyclists and a steel band also entertained spectators in the Parade Village, one of the best vantage points to see the action.

In Cowes itself blue and white bunting decorates shopping areas as traders prepare for their most lucrative time of the year.

The annual sailing spectacular looks to be bigger and better than ever with a record 959 entries, although that figure could total 1,000 by Friday.

Up to 10,000 visitors are also expected each day and an estimated 8,000 competitors of all ages and ability will take to the water to compete in 40 separate classes each day.

One of them is Cowes Week veteran Nick Sumner, who will be racing an international dragon 30ft keel boat called Fistral.

The 58-year-old oil industry worker has taken part in the regatta for the last 32 years and always meets up with familiar faces.

"I love it, it's one of the world's major regattas and brings people together from lots of different countries," he said.

"It's lovely to see the same people year after year.

"The racing itself is also very testing because of the extreme tidal conditions and the unpredictable weather."

Mr Sumner, of West Cowes, has seen the event change beyond recognition.

"Now it's absolutely essential for the town. Cowes has very little chance to make money for six months of the year and so depends on the summer and Cowes Week."

Deborah Phillips, who runs Prime Food Delicatessen in the High Street, makes 20 per cent of her annual turnover during the week.

"We have to get into top gear straight away because it's so busy," she said.

Married Brenda and Bob Mobley, of East Cowes, have been coming to the sailing extravaganza for the last 45 years.

Mrs Mobley, 66, said: "We always have a wonderful time, it's a brilliant atmosphere during the day and in the evening with all the entertainment.

It's a complete change to what Cowes is like the rest of the year."

Throughout the weekend Red Funnel services from Southampton were packed as hundreds of visitors flocked to the Island.

While HRH Prince Philip has been a regular participant in the event over the last 30 years, no royal visitor has been confirmed this year.

On Thursday, DIY television personality Nick Knowles will be visiting Cowes.

This week's event is the culmination of months of planning.

Stuart Mcintosh, the harbour master for Cowes Harbour Commission, started preparing for the event from the minute last year's finished.

He said: "So far it's going extremely well.

This year we have laid 270 additional moorings, that's about five and a half miles of anchor chain and 1,000 tonnes of equipment on the seabed.

"With moorings at Cowes Yacht Haven and Cowes, there are about 800 moorings all together."

Tonight Jimmy's Big Fish Tarantino's will take to the main stage. Other acts lined up for the rest of the week include Joey and the Drivers All Stars and Remedy/Reload. There will also be entertainment in the Parade Village from midday until 10pm every day, including bands and street theatre.

For reports and results from this year's Cowes Week click the Sailing link within the Sport section of 'This is Southampton'.