Patches,AeraandBear of Britainhave all been fighting for the top spot so far andNokia EnigmaandOystercatcher XXVhave also made appearances in the top three. With the return of a stiff west to north-westerly breeze blowing at around 10-15 knots, it could be anybody’s race today.

If you have never had the opportunity toTry Sailingbefore but would really like a go, Skandia is offering the public to try sailing for free. Head down to the Skandia Try Sailing stand in the Skandia Parade Village, or the Gipsy Moth IV stand in Cowes Yacht Haven to sign up.

The Timberland RIB will be out on the water all day cruising in and out of the fleet so if you fancy getting closer to the action, why not watch from the water on by taking aTimberland RIB Ride? The RIB rides cost £5 for kids and £10 for adults and set off from Cowes Yacht Haven from Berth S6.

The competition in theThe Sail 4 Cancerwinch grinding and rowing challenges is hotting up now, half way through the week. Go to Shepherd’s Wharf and you can earn yourself a bottle of Mumm Champagne by recording the best time of the day in the rowing contest. You could even be rower of the week and win a magnum of the stuff if you can beat the current record of 37 seconds over the 290m course! If winches are your thing make for the Yacht Haven to set your grinding time for the week where the same prizes are on offer to anyone who can beat the current record of 9.57 seconds.

At 18:00 catch theStars of Sailingas they Sail 4 Cancer in a ’round the cans’ race. They will be racing in dinghies supplied by the UKSA with members of the pubic as crew. Tickets are available for £5 at the Sail 4 Cancer stand at Cowes Yacht Haven.

In the yacht haven tonight,Sharpcutswill be getting their groove on, the band includes Honey Monster of G8 summit party fame. Northwood House is proud to present theSkandia Cowes Week Ball, for more information go to their website at www.northwoodhouse.co.uk .