Strong winds have led to the cancellation of Cowes Week sailing today (Wednesday).

Organisers have made the decision to abandon all racing, in all classes on day five of the regatta. 

Two weather warnings for strong winds, as well as an Environment Agency flood alert, are in force for today.

Yesterday (Tuesday) saw competitors greeted with perfect conditions, with sunshine and winds ranging from 18-22kts.

It was also Women's Day, which was well supported with female teams competing across most fleets.

There was much to play for, including the Mermaid Trophy for the highest placed female crew, the Ariel Trophy for the highest placed female helm, and the Women's Day Trophy.

In the full-on conditions out to the west, the Cape 31 fleet completed its short series with Sandra Askew and team on the USA-flagged Flying Jenny claiming another race win - enough for them to take the overall trophy.

In the J/70 class racing, star of the show was Paul Ward's Eat, Sleep J Repeat team, who ended the series in first place overall, four points ahead of Jelvis.

Ruby Sunderland and her team, in the Sonar class, sailed impressively once again and finished second to Alistair Barter and Richard Bailey in Bertie who won the race. 

In the Contessa 32 fleet, it was Drumbeat who stole the show and took today's race win to add to their opening day win. 

John Smart and team on the J/109 Juke Box sailed a smart race to take top spot in the 14-strong IRC3 fleet.

While Gavia Wilkinson-Cox and her all star crew aboard Jerboa showed their true colours in the Dragon class with an overall win, breaking Martin Payne and team's domination of the fleet so far this week aboard True Story. 

It is hoped racing will resume on day six of the regatta, tomorrow (Thursday).