| With 40 races every day and over 1,000 boats | | | | another option. If you do not require a walk |
| on show, Skandia Cowes Week is a huge event | | | | ashore facility, there are a number of |
| in the British sporting calendar. | | | | options within the harbour. Swinging Moorings |
| | | | in Cowes Roads or pontoons south of the chain |
| Cowes is the largest sailing regatta in the | | | | ferry are both available via Cowes Harbour |
| world! It lasts for eight days and takes | | | | Commission. |
| place every August in the Solent waters off | | | | |
| Cowes in the United Kingdom. | | | | Not just for sailors - Cowes Week is a |
| | | | popular tourist event provides fun and |
| History - Cowes Week takes place after | | | | entertainment for the 100,000 people who |
| Glorious Goodwood and before the Glorious | | | | flock to the isalnd each year to soak up the |
| Twelfth (the first day of the grouse shooting | | | | atmosphere. Over the years the regatta has |
| season). The first race was for a "Gold Cup | | | | been visited by royalty and world-famous |
| of the Value of £100", held in 1826. The | | | | celebrities as well as naval warships, super |
| following year King George IV showed his | | | | yachts and square-riggers. Each class is made |
| approval of the event and presented the | | | | up using the IRC (International Rating |
| 'King's Cup', presented at every event until | | | | System) which ranks the yachts' individual |
| 1939. The early 1900's saw Cowes Regatta | | | | measurements. Class Zero has the biggest |
| build in size and popularity, showcasing an | | | | boats (up to 30 metres long) and Class Seven, |
| array of sailing vessels. In the decades | | | | the smallest. |
| following World War II, yachting moved away | | | | |
| from its image as a rich man's sport to | | | | Party time - Why not soak up the Solent sun |
| modest self-skippered 30 foot yachts. In | | | | and the party atmosphere and enjoy the |
| 1995, following two years during which Cowes | | | | parties and live entertainment. There are |
| Week was supported by the County Council, | | | | tastes to suit everyone during Cowes week, |
| Skandia became official sponsor of the event. | | | | with plenty of pubs, bars and restaraunts to |
| | | | chose from. If you are not planning to sail |
| Join in the fun - The event is open to | | | | there is plenty to do during the day as well |
| amateur sailors as well as Olympic and World | | | | as at night. The High Street has a wide |
| Champions. There really is something for | | | | choice of art galleries, antiques, clothing |
| everyone at Cowes Week, reagrdless of age or | | | | and gift. A spectacular firework display on |
| ability. If you'd like to take part in the | | | | the Friday evening is watched by tens of |
| sailing, get in touch with Cowes Combined | | | | thousands of people from the shore and from |
| Clubs. The Notice of Regatta are published in | | | | hundreds of boats off the sea front. |
| March / April every year with an entry form | | | | |
| for competitors. | | | | Getting there - For visitors from abroad, the |
| | | | nearest airports are either Eastleigh |
| Berthing - Berthing in Cowes during the | | | | (Southampton) or Hurn (Bournemouth) but all |
| Regatta is in high demand. Don't delay! | | | | of the London airports are within easy reach |
| Arrange your berthing early to ensure you get | | | | by taxi or train. There is also a heliport |
| a spot. Shepards Wharf Marina has undergone | | | | (tel. +44(0) 1983 280909) in Cowes especially |
| major re-development in recent years. It's | | | | for the regatta. There are regular ferries to |
| now a vibrant venue and home to a crew bar, | | | | and from the Island and even during Skandia |
| restaurant, trading village and nightclub | | | | Cowes Week there is no need to book as a foot |
| during Skandia Cowes Week. For those wanting | | | | passenger. However, if you plan to bring a |
| a quieter berthing alternative during Skandia | | | | car to the Island (remember that parking at |
| Cowes Week, the re-developed marina in East | | | | Cowes is very limited), then bookings are |
| Cowes, with new 'Club Style' facilities, is | | | | essential. |