MORE than 100,000 people are expected to descend on the Isle of Wight for the beginning of the world’s largest sailing regatta.

Cowes Week, which starts today, attracts sailors from across the globe with some 8,500 competitors from Olympic stars and world-class racers to weekend sailors to take part in some of the 40 events held every day.

Around 1,000 boats are also expected in the water around the Island as sailing and social events attract huge crowds across the week, culminating in the annual fireworks spectacular on Friday night.