IT attracts 800 boats, more than 7,000 sailors and 100,000 visitors, making it the world’s greatest regatta.
Once again spectators have flocked to the Isle of Wight for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, which draws world-class yachtsmen from almost every corner of the globe.
Today the eight-day spectacular is due to receive a visit from the Princess Royal – a keen sailing enthusiast.
She will spend time out on the water watching the racing action with regatta bosses before visiting the offices of Cowes Week Ltd, where the flagship sailing event is organised.
Later the Princess will meet some of the volunteers involved in restoration work at the Classic Boat Museum in East Cowes and view a collection of craft, including one given to the then Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh by the people of Cowes as a wedding present in 1947.
First held in 1826, Cowes Week is justly proud of the premier racing that attracts huge crowds to the tiny town every year.
But the world-famous event is also renowned for the exciting selection of shore-based activities.
Live music, street entertainers and pavement cafes create a carnival atmosphere for those happy to keep only a casual eye on the sailing going on.
Many of the activities take place in narrow pedestrian streets full of shops selling sailing gear and other nautical niceties.
One of the attractions proving a monster hit with children yesterday was a walking dinosaur called George.
Made of fibreglass and based on one of the Jurassic creatures unearthed on the Island, George was operated by Emily Donovan, who was standing on stilts in the dinosaur’s rib cage.
Children crowded around the orange and yellow creation as it lumbered through the streets, its head swinging from side to side in a friendly fashion.
Another firm favourite with youngsters was Matt Reed, who held a series of high-energy dance sessions dressed as a pirate.
Other street entertainers included a group of Morris Dancers dressed in pink and purple costumes that brought a splash of colour to one of the wide alleyways leading down to the water.
Meanwhile Tom King, 16, from Scotland, played the bagpipes to raise funds for a forthcoming trip to South Africa with the charity Voluntary Service Overseas.
Entertainment will carry on throughout the week ranging from music from The Cuban Brothers and The Wonder Stuff to a display by the Red Arrows – capped off with the annual firework finale.
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