A snapshot of today's racing and on-shore activities at Cowes

Light airs and sunny skies may make this the ideal day for a trip ashore, and the Cowes events diary will not disappoint. In addition to the usual bars and Champagne breakfasts, there are events to feast your eyes, ears and sailing passion throughout the day.

On the water, the Royal Yacht Squadron will be awarding trophies to the winners in 25 classes, including the Tomahawk Trophy for the Swallow class. Anthony Lunch of the Swallow class association said yesterday: “It has been a very close and competitive week’s racing so far for the Swallow class. We have had three different winners in as many days and there are four boats neck and neck at the top of the fleet including our boatSolitude”. This could be an exciting space to watch!

Aside from the racing, the Skandia Cowes Week Parade Village will be providing street entertainment, starting as the last races get underway (weather permitting) at 1200. Irish bandTin Lidswill storm the stage and theWalkaboutscharacters from Ryde Art Works will be taking a stroll around the Village.Raw Samba,The Lonesome Valley Boys,The Plugsand Cowes favouriteThe Acceleratorsare among those billed for the main stage this afternoon.

The daily grinding competition will once again take place from 1200 until 2000. For the price of a Cornish pasty, you can attempt to be the fastest to grind an America’s Cup genoa winch in aid of Sail 4 Cancer, the official Charity.

The evening will feature more formal social events: a cocktail party for the Etchells and Contessa classes at the Royal Yacht Squadron, a Daring class celebration at the Sir Max Aitken Museum and the Corinthian Ball at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

If you are looking for something a little more light hearted, Shipwrecked at Cowes will be providing comedy DJs and live music, whileTop Shelf Beatsare hosting a night of funky hip-hop, dirty breaks and filthy beats. The world famousFreestylerswill be headlining the night, supported by island scratch sensationKrooks. Visit www.topshelfbeats.tk for must-see gigs and entertainment at Cowes this week.