Cowes Week
July 31st
This is the oldest and largest sailing regatta in the world. Even the most stubborn landlubber can’t help but feel a yearning for the sea after experiencing the excitement of Cowes. When it began in 1826, there were just seven vessels competing in the race. Entries have since ballooned to over 1,000 yachts and more than 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing in the Solent. With so many boats sailing some 30 different courses in one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, racing at Cowes is never dull.
There’s also plenty to keep you amused, aside from watching the action on the water.
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Live bands, yacht-club balls, cocktail parties, chilled out pub evenings and a fabulous fireworks display on the final Friday make it a very social seaside extravaganza.
But the greatest thing about Cowes Week is it’s far from stuffy. Olympic gold medallists will line up against weekend sailors on the same start. There are few sporting events where you can chat to real stars such as Dame Ellen MacArthur while you celebrate after racing.
