DON'T forget your autograph books at Skandia Life Cowes Week as this is where the stars come out to play.

Showbusiness, television and sporting personalities are all heading for the regatta, to mingle with the crowds, shop in the exclusive boutiques in the High Street and, of course, try out their sailing skills on the Solent.

Today actor Ralf Little, perhaps better known as the put-upon character Anthony in the hit television comedy series, The Royle Family is due to be out racing on a Sunfast 36.

Ralf is expected to be in Cowes with his partner, television presenter and model, Lisa Rogers.

Being out on the water is second nature to five times rowing gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave who is also set to be in Cowes today along with the celebrated yachtswoman, Ellen MacArthur.

Olympic sailing champions, Shirley Robert-son and Iain Percy, who both struck gold in Sydney last year, will be racing at Cowes throughout the regatta.

Shirley will be competing with an all-girl crew on board Skandia, a 1720 one-design yacht while Iain will be on a Farr 40 and the 90 foot monohull, Skandia Leopard.

One of the first to be spotted in Cowes was TV personality, Nick Knowles from the medical documentary series, City Hospital which is broadcast from Southampton General Hospital, and his girlfriend Suzi Perry from BBC's Grandstand programme.

They were joined by Ben Fogle, who was featured in the programme Castaway, and girlfriend Kilvarna Balfour before attending one of the most prestigious events of the regatta, the Royal London Yacht Club Ball.

Green-fingered sailing enthusiast Alan Titchmarsh will be making a return visit to Cowes as will TV presenter, Lauren Booth who will be be sailing on a Sunfast tomorrow.