Skandia Cowes Week 2003 is set to stage a number of additions this August.

They include fleet starts for both the popular Cork 1720 and the runaway success in the small keelboat world, the Laser SB3 - both of which have outgrown the Sportsboat Class.

With around 10 of these keelboats coming out of the mould each month, the Laser SB3, having Henri Lloyd as sponsor, promises at least 15 boats on the startline.

For the first three days, beginning on Saturday August 2, the IRM division will have its own Class and starts.

IRM will then join IRC but without the dual-scoring of 2002.

However, the overall IRM winner will also be awarded the Delta Trophy in addition to the usual Overall IRM prize.

The IRC division will again be split into eight classes with the actual race programme being decided upon just a week or so prior to racing commencing.

Cowes Combined Clubs Regatta Director, Stuart Quarrie explained: "CCC wants to ensure sensible splits according to actual entries.

"This ensures that the class sizes are evened out as fairly as possible. We hope that the splits will be very similar to last year but we're anticipating a mixed reaction to the news!"

The newly titled J-Spirit Class will be open exclusively to all J-boats with bowsprits.

Also, the J92 is using Skandia Cowes Week for its National Championship during the first four days of the Regatta but will still sail in the Handicap Class.

With both the Fastnet Race and Admiral's Cup taking place from our Solent shores, a bumper entry list almost nudging 1,000 boats is anticipated.

Foreign entries such as the New Zealand owned 90ft turbo maxi Alfa Romeo, which scored line honours in Decembers Sydney to Hobart race, will add to the glamour of what promises to include a buoyant big boat class.

Meanwhile, a Committee Boat start has been agreed to for the largest fleet, the XOD's, so that their first leg can be to windward.

This will come into play particularly when the wind hails from the North for the 70-plus strong class, as witnessed on most days during the 2002 Regatta.

The planned July opening of the redeveloped Cowes Combined Clubs Regatta Centre in Cowes by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in time for Skandia Cowes Week has had to be postponed owing to unforeseen delays.

It will now celebrate its official opening in early Summer 2004 to coincide with CCC's 40th Anniversary.