For the second time this week committee officers running the racing at Skandia Cowes Week had to consider the use of the new Amendment 2 to the Race Instructions. That Amendment allows them to send any seconded boat to a racing mark to alert yachts that their courses have been shortened and that they should finish at an alternative designated mark.

Today, with winds rapidly lightening and the tide strengthening, race officers opted to send committee boats to four racing marks and finish the classes immediately at those points. Currently there are therefore six locations being used to finish the racing right across the Solent this afternoon, another first for Skandia Cowes Week.

While an early finish might be disappointing it was perhaps nothing compared to the start some of the smaller classes had endured. They had sailed to the west from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line and then edged their way against the tide up the Gurnard shore. Some Darings, Dragons and Sonatas found it even more challenging as their classes played follow my leader close into the beach and ended up hard on the rocks.

The leading yachts in Class 0 made it to the Squadron without the need for course shortening and now wait for their corrected results on handicap. It’s a particularly nail-biting day as the winner not only takes the points but also the Britannia Cup. While there is no longer the tradition of the owner receiving their weight in champagne the cup is nevertheless fiercely coveted. First and second across the line were the two maxi sledsAlfa RomeoandEnigma of Londonwith Ker 55Aeraa short distance in their wake. It remains to be confirmed who will lift the cup tonight in the Skandia prizegiving.

More news later.