If you were listening to Radio 4 this morning after the shipping forcast at 05.20 you would have heard the start of one of the most prestigious racing calendar events in sailing.
Cowes week, starts today, its 183rd year!
Cowes week stats:
When did it start? 1826
How many classes are there? 37
How many boats are competing? 891
How many competitors take part? 8,500
How many spectators are there? over 100,000

If you have never been to this fantastic event as a competitor or spectator, dont expect to sleep, the whole town is buzzing with events, festivities and merryment, live music and fireworks. But its a serious business, boats come from many other countries to take part as a win at Cowes week looks great on the boats CV especially when the boats for sale. The weeks highlights include: the RNLI official charity day, Ladies Day, Come Racing, and the Artemis Challenge and the iShares Cup, including some great sailing celebrities.

Today, the world famous Cowes Week regatta is the largest and oldest sailing regatta of its kind.

If you can get along, you will not be disappointed.