Cowes Week

With 40 races every day and over 1,000 boats ona walk ashore facility, there are a number of options
show, Skandia Cowes Week is a huge event in thewithin the harbour. Swinging Moorings in Cowes
British sporting calendar.Roads or pontoons south of the chain ferry are both
Cowes is the largest sailing regatta in the world! Itavailable via Cowes Harbour Commission.
lasts for eight days and takes place every August inNot just for sailors - Cowes Week is a popular tourist
the Solent waters off Cowes in the United Kingdom.event provides fun and entertainment for the
History - Cowes Week takes place after Glorious100,000 people who flock to the isalnd each year to
Goodwood and before the Glorious Twelfth (the firstsoak up the atmosphere. Over the years the regatta
day of the grouse shooting season). The first racehas been visited by royalty and world-famous
was for a "Gold Cup of the Value of £100", heldcelebrities as well as naval warships, super yachts and
in 1826. The following year King George IV showedsquare-riggers. Each class is made up using the IRC
his approval of the event and presented the 'King's(International Rating System) which ranks the yachts'
Cup', presented at every event until 1939. The earlyindividual measurements. Class Zero has the biggest
1900's saw Cowes Regatta build in size andboats (up to 30 metres long) and Class Seven, the
popularity, showcasing an array of sailing vessels. Insmallest.
the decades following World War II, yachting movedParty time - Why not soak up the Solent sun and
away from its image as a rich man's sport to modestthe party atmosphere and enjoy the parties and live
self-skippered 30 foot yachts. In 1995, following twoentertainment. There are tastes to suit everyone
years during which Cowes Week was supported byduring Cowes week, with plenty of pubs, bars and
the County Council, Skandia became official sponsorrestaraunts to chose from. If you are not planning to
of the event.sail there is plenty to do during the day as well as at
Join in the fun - The event is open to amateur sailorsnight. The High Street has a wide choice of art
as well as Olympic and World Champions. There reallygalleries, antiques, clothing and gift. A spectacular
is something for everyone at Cowes Week,firework display on the Friday evening is watched by
reagrdless of age or ability. If you'd like to take parttens of thousands of people from the shore and
in the sailing, get in touch with Cowes Combinedfrom hundreds of boats off the sea front.
Clubs. The Notice of Regatta are published in March /Getting there - For visitors from abroad, the nearest
April every year with an entry form for competitors.airports are either Eastleigh (Southampton) or Hurn
Berthing - Berthing in Cowes during the Regatta is in(Bournemouth) but all of the London airports are
high demand. Don't delay! Arrange your berthing earlywithin easy reach by taxi or train. There is also a
to ensure you get a spot. Shepards Wharf Marinaheliport (tel. +44(0) 1983 280909) in Cowes especially
has undergone major re-development in recent years.for the regatta. There are regular ferries to and from
It's now a vibrant venue and home to a crew bar,the Island and even during Skandia Cowes Week
restaurant, trading village and nightclub during Skandiathere is no need to book as a foot passenger.
Cowes Week. For those wanting a quieter berthingHowever, if you plan to bring a car to the Island
alternative during Skandia Cowes Week, the(remember that parking at Cowes is very limited),
re-developed marina in East Cowes, with new 'Clubthen bookings are essential.
Style' facilities, is another option. If you do not require