Delighted sailing fans descend on Portsmouth to watch SailGP and Clipper in glorious sunshine - pictures

Sailing fans have arrived on Southsea seafront in their droves to watch two major events.

Hundreds if not thousands of people are basking in the sunshine this weekend ahead of SailGP and the Clipper Round The World Race.

Starting almost a year ago, the clipper yachts were seen sailing to Gunwharf Quays this afternoon. Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the Clipper Race’s bring people of all ages and abilities together to take on the monumental challenge.

Then there’s SailGP, with Team GBR aiming to take home the crown at the Portsmouth leg. Long queues are forming ahead of the start of the race. Members of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team include owner and CEO Sir Ben Ainslie, as well as athletes Hannah Mills OBE, Dylan Fletcher MBE, Stuart Bithell MBE and Youth Sailor Kai Hockley.

After an intense series of practice runs yesterday - which nearly resulted in a crash with Team USA - the action is about to begin this afternoon. Here are a selection of pictures of spectators on the seafront.

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