Cowes Week

BBC South Today gave people from the Isle of Wight, who wouldn't normally sail, the chance to be part of the world's most famous yachting regatta.

We followed the crews on board a 38' yacht called Skandia:Spirit of the South as she took part in each day's racing.

A GPS tracking device on board relayed Spirit of the South's exact location during racing each day.

Making up the crews were volunteers from the Isle of Wight's fire, ambulance and police services, Age Concern volunteers.

Most will be sailing novices but under the guidance of skipper Alwyn Evans, everyone will be involved - helping hoist sails, pull ropes - doing everything needed to guide the yacht through the racing courses.

The firefighters navigate the Solent

First up on Monday were a crew of the Island's firefighters. John Stannett felt sailing wasn't too dissimilar to their day jobs: "Adrenaline is adrenaline - its great to have it and its a great stress buster."

After the yacht was reclassified after the weekend's racing, they achieved a satisfactory finish in their class - 30th out of 36.

Tuesday saw police officers from the Island take to the water on what was a frustrating day for many of the sailors as a lack of wind caused racing to be delayed until the afternoon.

For Sgt Paul Jennings, Cowes Week is normally one of the busiest times of the year: "Its an integral part of Island life. Its one of the main events on the Island and without them the Island would be a poorer place. Its definitely a great place to be during August!"

There were inter-service bragging rights at stake as the police crew were eager to improve on the firefighters' finish.

At first it seemed the police had won those rights as they finished in second position in their class. However after they realised that they had inadvertedly infringed a rule, they voluntarily retired.

Six Age Concern volunteers took to the water on Wednesday. The crew normally give up their time to help more vunerable members of the Island community.

Dorothy Moir had jumped at the chance to take part in Cowes Week, she said: "When you get to my age, adventure calls. Never say never to trying something new!"

Skipper Alwyn Evans

They had plenty of enthusiasm despite limited sailing experience and came in 33rd out of a field of 37 starters.

The Isle of Wight's ambulance crews are used to responding to emergencies and injuries around Cowes Week. Tracey Bennett said: "Obviously the nastier incidents you don't like to remember, but there are nicer ones as well when you can see and follow up the patients afterwards- that's always good"

Getting a chance to race meant seeing Cowes Week from a new angle however the light winds meant their day's racing on Thursday was delayed.