By Jamie White – Head of Communications

The world’s most famous sailing regatta – Cowes Week – is in full swing this week.

Boats sail from all over the world for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, with an estimated 100,000 people expected to visit the Isle of Wight for the event, which first started back in 1826.

Throughout the week, a host of top sailors from around the globe are competing in various races on the Solent. However, today’s (Tuesday) racing has been forced to be abandoned due to a lack of wind.

But that hasn’t dampened spirits on the the shoreside. Visitors have been soaking up the atmosphere since the weekend with live music and entertainment, food stands and a host of other attractions along Cowes Parade, the Green, Cowes Yacht Haven and around the town.

As many as 1,000 competing vessels and about 8,500 competitors are expected at the sailing spectacle, which runs until Saturday.

The Red Arrows are due to fly at the event on Thursday, while the iconic Cowes Week fireworks – a 150 year tradition –  display is scheduled to take place at 9.30pm on Friday.