By Indy Almroth-Wright BBC Southampton Online

Cowes Week runs from 3-10 August

More than 30,000 people will visit the Isle of Wight in early August and they will be treated to the sight of 900 boats competing in 200 races in the waters of the Solent.

Cowes Week begins on 3 August and is a great opportunity for sailors and landlubbers alike to see boats of all shapes and sizes.

The sailing crews are diverse, with international yachties racing alongside weekend family sailors.

Cowes is one of sailing's premier annual events

All races start from the Royal Yacht Squadron, where spectator's eardrums will get a regular bashing as a cannon is fired to start each class.

Two shots means that at least one of the boats has jumped the start.

But Cowes Week is not just for sailors.

It is also a haven for social butterflys and, if you want to keep your feet dry, there are daily bands, entertainment and daredevil displays.

How it all started

In the evening the town gets ready to party when deck shoes are swapped for dancing shoes and people head for the many bars, discos, private parties and glittering balls.

So, how did the famous waters of the Solent become home to the longest-running yachting regatta in the world?

The first organised race took place in the early 1800s, when a group of amateur sailing enthusiasts started the Yacht Club, and In 1812 the first official regatta was staged.

Boat traffic is heavy during Cowes Week

Fourteen years later, the Royal Yacht Squadron formally organised three days of racing.

And in 1827, the event became the Cowes Regatta when George IV presented a gold cup to mark the occasion.

Cowes Week has been held every August since - except during the two World Wars - and by 1953 the event had become so successful that 'the week' became nine days.

There have been many changes over the centuries, but one highlight has remained intact since the early 19th century.

There has always been a major firework display on the Friday night and this year's promises to be truly spectacular.