The day's events afloat and ashore

Along with a host of other celebrities Formula 1 racing driver David Coulthard and TV personality Davina McCall line up inThe Open@Skandia Cowes Week. The Open 60 fleet will set off in an out-and-back race to Poole Bar at 11:00 from the squadron line. Each boat is skippered by one of Britain’s leading professional solo yachtsmen.

You can still seize the opportunity toTry Sailingwith Skandia. If you’ve always fancied sailing but have never had the opportunity, this week Skandia is offering you just that. You can try sailing for free by registering at the Try Sailing/Skandia stand on the parade or the Sail 4 Cancer and Gipsy Moth stands in Cowes Yacht Haven.

TheTimberland RIBis out on the water again today raising money for Sail 4 Cancer by taking members of the public to the start line as the racing gets underway. For the very reasonable price of £10 for adults and £5 for children you can take a trip anytime between 10:00 and 17:00.

If you’re feeling physical, at 17:00 you can take part in theTimberland Tug-of-War. 16 teams will compete to win £500 worth of Timberland gear. If that’s not enough, why not row or grind in aid of Sail 4 Cancer?The Row 4 Cancer Concept II Challengeis taking place at Shepherd’s Wharf between 14:00 and 18:00 and theLewmar Sail 4 Cancer Winch Grinding Challengegets underway at 16:00 at Cowes Yacht Haven. Race against the clock to win yourself a bottle of Mumm champagne.

If you fancy relaxing in the sun for the day, why not go down to The Parade Village where bands will be playing all day. This evening’s proceedings get underway at the Yacht Haven where theBogus Brotherswill be setting the stage alight. Northwood House is hosting theOcean World Crew Ballthis evening. For more information, go to their website www.northwoodhouse.co.uk
 

If you read about theStars of Sailingevent in yesterday’s listings you’ll be pleased to hear that Ben Ainslee won both races – sailing with WPC Helen Neverson from Nottingham. Helen was quite taken with the young sailor and commented that the only way she could top the experience would be to marry him, we are waiting to hear Ben’s response…