FINANCIAL services giant Skandia - title sponsors of the world-famous Cowes regatta on the Isle of Wight, pictured - is doubling the number of free sailing lessons available for visitors to this year's event.

Around 800 people will be taught how to tack, gybe and take the helm during the eight days of the event, which involves around 8,500 sailors racing on more than 1,000 boats.

Called "Try Sailing", the initiative was launched last year and was an instant sell-out, with people aged eight to 80 able to sign up for a free hour-long lesson.

Tim Sewell, pictured, sponsorship manager at Skandia, which employs 1,700 people in Southampton, said: "Around 100,000 people come to Skandia Cowes Week to watch the racing and we want to give some of those who have perhaps never tried sailing a taste of what it's like.

"Last year we sold out within half an hour of opening the booking office each day so we've invested more this year to extend the scheme to allow twice as many people to take part."

The "Try Sailing" lessons are run by the UK Sailing Academy. Each day bookings can be made at the Skandia Try Sailing booking office on the Parade at Cowes. Lessons run from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The regatta runs from July 29 to August 5.

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