Join www.yachtingworld.com today and help support the Ellen MacArthur Trust – the official charity of Skandia Cowes Week for the second year running – and help ‘Turn Cowes Blue’. Competitors and spectators are being urged to get into the spirit of the day by either wearing blue clothes or costumes, dying their hair blue, flying blue kites onboard or hopefully something even more imaginative. On-the-spot prizes will be awarded throughout the day for the best ‘blue’ ideas.

Last year the Trust raised an incredible £90,000 at the event, which has had a huge impact on its 2007 programme, enabling it to more than double the number of children it will be working with. Dame Ellen commented: “We cannot thank everyone enough for their support and generosity. We were blown away with the level of fundraising at last year’s event, and we hope to match that figure again this year.”

The Ellen MacArthur Trust stand is situated once again on Cowes Parade, where visitors can go along to show their support.

A state-of-the-art sailing stimulator has been set-up, and is all set to go for those who’d like to experience racing at Cowes without the need for waterproof clothing or wellington boots. Official skincare sponsors Liz Earle will also be supplying the Trust with sunscreen lanyards, which visitors can purchase all week.

The day’s events will be rounded off with the Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball in the Cowes Yacht Haven where a charity auction will hopefully raise even more cash for the charity.

For a chance to win £1,500 worth ofTacktickequipment click here