YACHTSMEN from more than 12 countries are taking part in the 12th Red Funnel Easter Challenge at Cowes this weekend.

As the first major regatta of the season for Cowes, race organisers - the Royal Ocean Racing Club - say around 70 to 80 boats will be taking part in the three-day event, starting on Good Friday.

This is primarily a 'warm up' regatta for the coming season and several of the yachts taking part will be shaping up - both boat and crew - for the Rolex Fastnet Race, which starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on August 10, as well as the busy Solent racing season ahead.

Racing starts at 2pm on Friday, April 18 (two races) and at 10am on Saturday (three races) and Easter Sunday (two races).

Don't miss Ingrid Abery's regular two-page look at the local sailing scene in this Friday's Echo.