The Princess Royal is to visit the Isle of Wight to meet the organisers of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, it has been announced.

Princess Anne will be on hand to fire the starting gun for the XOD Class Centenary race on Thursday, August 11 as the yacht racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week begins to wind down for another year.


So far the crews of more than 140 XODs have registered for the XOD Class in a bid to get their hands on the famous Captain’s Cup.


Her visit comes as the regatta, which runs from 6-13 August, celebrates its centenary year – something which will also be recognised with a mini three-day regatta for the XOD class during the week.


The mini regatta will get under way on August 9 and run until August 11.


During the visit to the Isle of Wight the princess will also watch young sailors taking part in the Royal Yachting Association’s OnBoard festival on August 10.