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