Cowes Week regatta: Sailing starts despite low winds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-33836890

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Sailing at one of the oldest and largest regattas in the world is under way off the coast of the Isle of Wight, despite low winds.

Boats sail from all over the world for Cowes Week and as many as 100,000 people are expected to visit the island for the event, which started in 1826.

Classes including Etchells, SB20s, and J/70s started shortly after 13:00 BST but others were postponed.

Low wind delayed the start, but stronger wind is expected later.

As many as 1,000 competing vessels and about 8,500 competitors are expected at the event, which is on until Saturday 15 August.

The Red Arrows are due to fly at the event on Thursday.