History And High-Tech Combine On Day Two Of Cowes Week

History and modern race management came together on another successful day of North Sails Cowes Week, as more than 640 boats enjoyed ideal sailing conditions on the Solent.

Race organisers sent competitors into the eastern Solent on Monday, where crews were met with sunshine and winds of between 8 and 14 knots.

The royal connection continued after The Princess Royal fired the opening starting gun on Sunday, while five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie made his first appearance of the regatta, helming Fargo in IRC Class One.

Despite a strong performance, victory went to New Zealand's Callisto.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey1hG4WFAvs

One of the day's standout stories came in the Dragon Class, where Bluebottle – the yacht gifted to the late Duke of Edinburgh as a wedding present in 1947 – claimed victory after a dominant performance.

Restored by Cowes boatbuilder David Heritage, the historic yacht is now preparing to compete at the Dragon World Championships in Hong Kong later this year.

The Folkboat class also returned to Cowes Week for the first time in 60 years with its own dedicated start, while the popular Flying 15 fleet continued to provide close racing in front of spectators along the shoreline.

This year's bicentenary regatta features 641 boats racing across the Solent, with more than 200 volunteers helping to deliver one of the world's largest sailing events.

North Sails Cowes Week continues throughout the week, with racing and shoreside entertainment culminating in the traditional Friday night fireworks.