A total of 61 Swans are expected to be on the start line this morning at Cowes for the Nautor Swan European Regatta. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the racing continues through to Thursday of next week, in the evenings there are the typical parties that go hand-in-hand with regattas.Today the fleet will race a 30-mile course in the Solent under the Swan handicapping system.

Tomorrow and on Tuesday, the organisers plan to stage two races of about 15 miles, also within the Solent. Prize giving is scheduled for Wednesday. If you’re planning to pay Cowes a visit over the next couple of days, keep your eyes peeled for Olympic Gold Medalist, Shirley Robertson, who is helming one of the Swan entries.