Forces Fight Over Who Really Rules the Waves

Inter-service rivalry took to the sea for the annual regatta which saw more than a hundred crew setting out from the Solent.

The Army, Navy and the RAF battled for honours in three classes in 15 boats, including 9 of the trusty Victoria Class which have served the military so well for nearly 30 years.

As the Navy is hosting this year's event they enlisted the help of the minesweeper HMS Cattistock, the first time in many years a warship has officially started the regatta.

The first race around the Isle of Wight gives the skippers a choice to go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the island before heading to Port in Brighton. With light winds it was a vital decision.

The Navy's flag boat, Jolly Jack Tar, is the current National Champion, but she's being crewed by a  mix of novice and more experienced sailors.

There's a series of six inshore races off Brighton before the fleet makes a dash back to Gosport and the final reckoning.