As forecast, the wind increased throughout the morning to provide some exciting racing for the first day of this renowned event. More than one sportsboat and even 40-plus foot yacht recovered from an imminent broach by the skin of their teeth, while a few less fortunate baptised their spreaders in the white-capped waters of the Solent.

The Solent was peppered by masts as a record number of entrants took to the water, and it was pleasing to see as many as 70, X One Designs, a class that typifies Cowes Weeks over the years. In the first time in living memory, the XOD fleet managed to cross the start line without a general recall. Quite a feat when you consider the size of the fleet in comparison to the start line.

The first results are being sorted and formatted, a task far from small which will no doubt take time. Meanwhile many classes are yet to finish racing for the day.

Several dis-mastings were predictable for the conditions, however less expected was a reported run-in between a Mumm 30 and Skandia Leopard. Who was at fault is not known, but perhaps the words on the Mumm’s crews’ lips should be the old saying, “might is right”.

Results and news is pouring into the press centre which we will update you with shortly. Click for the Cowes Week website and link through for the results