Forecast
A day of strong breezes are expected at Skandia Cowes Week for day 6 of the regatta with gusts of 25kts being recorded on the Brambles Bank at 07:00 this morning.

The Azores High is ridging to the south-west of Ireland and the West Country, generating a moderate north-north-westerly flow between the two. This ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather at Cowes for the remainder of the week.

The occluded from the low pressure – currently over the North Sea and moving east – has produced a considerable amount of cloud over the area but only a small amount of rain will move away this morning. The cloud will gradually move away during the morning and sunny intervals are expected this afternoon.

09:00 – With winds (currently reaching 20 kts) against tide creating rough conditions out on the Solent the race committee has wisely postponed racing until the situation settles. We’ll keep you posted on whether this becomes a permanent suspension, or simply a delayed start.

Outlook for Friday
N/W 8-13 with chance of a seabreeze

Events of the day
The theme of the day here at Cowes Week is Ladies Day so expect to see some glamour on and off the water. Here’s a selection of events to watch out for during the day

Try Sailing
Today’s Skandia Try Sailing is for ladies only and there’ll even be lady instructors. The event is free but any donations go to the Ellen MacArthur Trust. Head to the Skandia Try Sailing booking office on the Parade.

Free sun cream
Skandia is doing there best to ensure everyone protects themselves from the harmful effects of the Sun during Cowes Week by distributing 1,000s of sachets of high factor ZO-1 suncream. For your free sample head to the Skandia Team GBR 2008 information unit on the Cowes Parade.

Ellen MacArthur Trust
Do your bit to help children with Cancer, Leukaemia and other serious illnesses by getting involved with Ladies Day activities on the Ellen MacArthur Trust stand on the Parade stand’

Virtual skipper Game
For £2 a go (£1 for children) try and set the best time of the day/week. And especially for Ladies Day there’s a Best Ladies time competition. The best Virtual Skipper time of the day wins a bag of Timberland goodies and the best time of the week wins a pair of Timberland boots.

Raffle
Watch out for the raffle for your chance to win a limited edition RS Tera and don’t miss the Ellen MacArthur Trust wristbands which cost £1 each and are available at collection boxes in shops around the town.

Cowes Fashion Show
A fashion extravaganza is being held on the main stage in Cowes Yacht Haven between 1615 and 1700 today. The event aims to showcase the latest fashion ranging from sailing gear to high fashion labels worn at the week’s most exclusive cocktail parties and club balls.

Timberland fancy feet
Timberland, aware of the hats being the scene stealers on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, have decided that Ladies Day at Cowes will, today, have a special focus on feet. Watch out for the foot spotters on patrol throughout the day looking for the most fancy feet of the day. The winner will receive a pair of Timberland shoes and a bottle of Champagne Mumm worth £150 in total. Two runners up will win a bottle of Mumm.

Extreme 40 Racing
Depending on the weather, once again, the Extreme 40 catamarans will be out strutting their stuff off Princes Green between 16:00-19:00 this afternoon. The plan is to have two boats racing – Team Basilica/Team Conrad Humphreys Racing and one other.

Stars to watch out for
Shelley Rudman – Winter Olympic silver medallist. Better known for hurtling headfirst down an ice track at 85miles per hour on a piece of metal half the length of her body, Rudman will today test her skills aboard the Laser SB3 Henr Lloyd with her partner and fellow Skeleton Bob champion Kirsten Bromley.

Future of Cowes Week
Those with an interest in the future of Skandia Cowes Week should aim to attend the Future Strategy Presentation meeting to be held at the Trinity Theatre (behind the regatta office) between 13:00-14:00 today.