Today may be the day of the Rocking Chair Trophy, but this is no time for the Cowes crews to put their feet up. With 30 contests still to be fought, today's stiff breeze should reward both teams and spectators with some fantastic racing. Trophies up for grabs today include the Island SC's Tudor Rose Challenge Bowl and George Ball Challenge Cup.

Shoreside entertainment kicks off at 1200 with the John Davidson Quartet at the Skandia Cowes Week Parade Village, followed by a magic show. Sail 4 Cancer are still offering the chance to tone the crew's muscles on the Lewmar winch rig - get grinding at the Yacht Haven between 1200 and 2000.

For those not glued to the Olympic opening ceremony, Cowes has a host of evening events, starting at 1900 with an aerobatic display by by the Honda Dream Team. The Isle of Wight Youth Concert Band will be playing at the Skandia Cowes Week Parade Village from 1930-2130, just before a 2130 start for the fireworks extravaganza. Tonight's Cowes Yacht Haven stage hosts bands Jimmy's Big Fish and Killer Queen.

Shipwrecked at Cowes are offering more comedy, live music and DJs at the Trinity Theatre, while Northwood House will be hosting the Isle of Wight Radio Cowes Week Bash, starring The Beat and Ranking Roger. Tickets are £13.50.
Hannah Emanuel/Yachting World, 13 August 2004