With the expectation of gales this afternoon the tension is palpable here at Cowes and several classes have decided not to race. The class captains for the Sonar, Sunbeam and X One Design fleets have decided that it is not safe for their classes to participate in today’s racing. Code flag Yankee has been hoisted at the Royal Yacht Squadron indicating that lifejackets must be worn by all crew and be visible to the other participants at all times.

The weather forecast for today predicts a southwesterly Force 3 to 4 this morning, gradually increasing and veering throughout the morning to WSW Force 7 gusting 8 by the afternoon. The tide will turn shortly after lunch time, adding another four or five knots to the apparent wind speed and a confused choppy sea state.

The cloud cover is thick and low, and competitors will be keeping a sharp eye for squally rain showers. By mid to late afternoon, the deep, low-pressure trough that is approaching from the west will sweep through the Solent, breaking the thick cloud cover and allowing a sea breeze to develop from the south west.

The first overall results show that Bear of Britain still holds a marginal lead in Class 0 IRC, while Australia II leads the two other ACC boats by at least 130 points. Team Tonic has a clear 19 point lead in Class 1 IRC, while Jackdaw in Class 2 has maintained an excellent series of results and is leading on just 1 point!

Courses are being issued and boats are slipping their lines. We’ll have more news for you from the water…