For the 12th year, businesses in Cowes will benefit from the arrival of a large number of yachtsmen from over 12 counties (including tough competition from the Island itself), who will be descending on the town to take part in the ever-popular Red Funnel Easter Challenge.

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

With such a large number of boats, around 500 skippers and crew members will come ashore after racing each day to sample the delights the town has to offer.

Restaurants and other businesses such as ship chandlers and clothes shops can expect to be busy, and of course, the local hostelries should prepare themselves for the influx of thirsty sailors!

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 (starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on 10th August), and the busy Solent racing season ahead.

Cowes Yacht Haven is the place to be if you want to view these impressive yachts, which always provide a colourful sight for sailors and landlubbers alike. Watch from the end of the Yacht Haven breakwater each day or by the Red Funnel terminal at Town Quay, as the yachts head off for the day's racing and return later each afternoon.

Racing starts at 2pm on Friday 18th April (2 races) and at 10am on Saturday 19th (3 races) and Easter Sunday 20th (2 races).