A brisk southeasterly breeze promises enjoyable sailing this morning, good news especially for the competitors in the Britannia Cup. Presented to the RYA in 1950 by King George VI at the suggestion of Sir Peter Scott, the Cup is awarded to the winner of the IRM class. Initially a replacement for the pre-war Americas’ Cup, this prestigious trophy will cause stiff competition and exciting racing. Other trophies being awarded today include the Keeling Trophy Challenge Cup for the Class 3 IRCs and the Hunter 707 Bowl.

The Sail 4 Cancer auction is still running, offering a holiday for two to Mauritius, an Omega Seamaster watch or a joke book signed by Morecambe and Wise. Click Txt yr bid now on the Skandia Cowes Week homepage for more information

On the Lewmar winch rig, England and Scotland rugby internationals Budge Poutney and Steve Thompson will be battling it out, while on the Sail 4 Cancer stand, BBC quiz showThe Weakest Linkwill be recruiting contestants for series six.

There is plenty more going on at the Skandia Cowes Week Parade Village today -Unity Stompers Jazz, childrens entertainers and more live music withFusion. Kangaroos will be on walkabout, so watch out for them in the high street!

If you missed the match racing last night, get down to the Green at six o’clock tonight and tomorrow. A commentary is provided, so there’s no excuse to miss the action betweenBear of BritainandChernikeeff 2.

RemedyandReloadwill be on stage at the Cowes Yacht Haven tonight – just present your Skandia Cowes Week entry ticket for access. Alteratively, if you’re in the mood for the tropics, the Pier View pub are holding a party with a Caribbean flavour – complete with a limboing competition! A promotion on Mount Gay Caribbean Rum should help loosen up the contestants…

Many shops are having their annual Cowes Week sales.That Shopis offering CDs for just two or three pounds and there are plenty of other discounts – get out there and grab yourself a bargain.

Finally: Tiffin’s sandwich shop have lost count of the number of bacon sandwiches handed over to hungry, hungover sailors – they say that between three and four hundred are devoured each morning!