Crews and yachts are arriving in Cowes, UK for the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentenary International Regatta whose opening race is planned for Monday, weather permitting, in Cowes. The provisional Class splits have been announced showing the three J-Class yachts as the first to start on familiar line of the historic castle built in the time of Henry VIII . Lionheart, Ranger and Velsheda will lead the way up the Solent and are expected to attract a large fleet of spectator boats, even though there will be safety measures that include a 200 metre exclusion zone around them. Next off will be the three giants of the classic yachts Eleonora, Mariquita and Sumuran and then the pedigrees of grand prix racing Rambler, Leopard, Jethou, Bella Mente, Odin and Spectre to name just a few.

Live tracking is provided by TracTrac, so spectators can follow all the boat positions as they go round the race course on TracTrac. Just go to www.bic2015.org.uk and click on the Trac Trac button on the home page. The separate Level Rating Class, the twelve yachts competing in Beneteau First 40s will also be carrying them. For those using smartphones or tablets (IOS or Android), the TracTrac free app also lists the event, and from there it is possible to either view Live Racing or Replays.

Don’t forget that North Sails is presenting ‘History in the Making’ tomorrow (Monday) 27th, at Cowes Haven, 5pm, for all competitors. A panel discussion hosted by Ken Read features Sir Ben Ainslie, Sam Davies and Jimmy Spithill. This will be a fantastic opportunity to listen to the views and advice of the world’s very hottest sailors.