The competitors have been blessed with ideal sailing conditions, a flat sea, fresh wind and most importantly, sun. This morning’s forecast predicts a westerly 3 to 4 backing southwesterly by lunch time. What competitors will be watching for is the wind shift later this afternoon, for as the wind veers it is expected to drop to a Force 2 to 3.

High tide at Cowes is 1310, one hour prior to that the tide falls slack off Cowes before setting a racing pace down the western Solent. For competitors making their way to the finish line to the east of Cowes, it will be a very tactical game to avoid the tidal race north of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

The first start time is 1030 for the Class 0 IRC, running through to 1235 for the popular XOD fleet. Up for grabs today is the prestigious Sorcery Trophy for the winner of the Class 0 IRC, the Victory Trophy for the Class 5 IRC and the Prince of Wales Cup for the winner of Class 9 SBR.

ybw will on the water capturing all your most embarrassing moments, but unlike yesterday when some less shy vessels decided to show their bottoms to the camera, please keep your hulls upright and your keels down.