The 47th Hampshire and Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship Regatta takes place this weekend, in Ryde today (Saturday) and in Shanklin tomorrow.

The Isle of Wight Rowing Weekend will first see teams in the water off Ryde, with around 100 crews and scullers taking part in 18 races, over an 1,820 metre course from Appley Beach towards Ryde Pier and back, around a buoy.

There will be races for men and women in masters, senior, junior and novice categories, across coxed fours, coxless pairs and single sculls.

From 10.30am, there will be races to watch and organisers say the best viewing area is from the sea wall, by Ryde Canoe Lake.

Prize-giving will take place at the clubhouse, in Appley Park, at around 4pm.

A host of local businesses and organisations are backing the event and Ryde Inshore Rescue will provide safety cover on the water.  

Tomorrow, Shanklin's Championship Regatta takes place off Shanklin Esplanade, along a course close to the Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club.