Today at Cowes Yacht Haven, spectators are being urged to keep a look out for roving kangaroos, Aussie giveaways and a surf simulator, as focus turns to celebrating Skandia’s own Australia Day.

On the other side of the world, Geelong Week (from 23 to 26 January 2009) is Australia’s largest sailing event. First held in 1859, it is also one of its oldest. One boat that will certainly be flying the Australian flag is SB3 Platinum Blonde – the one Aussie boat taking part in Cowes this year. For more information on the regatta click here .

Keeping with the international flavour, Cowes Parade is heading to South America today. Wednesday is Latin Night, and from midday spectators can enjoy Latin music while looking out onto the fifth day’s sailing.

The Extreme 40s kick off today’s racing, which will hopefully see some sunny spells as the morning drizzle and low cloud clears away. There is little wind forecast today however – more breeze due tomorrow.

Weather:

0600-0900 S-SW 5-10 knots
0900-1200 S-SW 5-10 knots
1200-1500 S-SW 5-10 knots veering SW 8-13 knots
1500-1800 SW 8-13 knots