When seven boats launched themselves on the Solent in 1826 to have a race, they could never have guessed that their friendly race would grow to such an astonishing event.
It’s nearly upon us now, eight days of the world's greatest sailing regatta, Skandia Cowes Week in the waters of The Solent that surround the Isle of Wight just off the southern coast of England, the largest, longest-running and most prestigious international sailing regatta in the world.
Starting off in 1826 it has remained a fixture in the British summer social calendar ever since. Traditionally it is held after Goodwood and before the start of the grouse shooting season, attracting royalty, film stars, sportsmen and women and maxi and mini celebs. At one time every crowned head in Europe was seen, usually on his yacht, at the event.
When seven yachts signed up for the first organised race in 1826, few thought that the regatta would grow to such a world-class event and give Cowes the name of “yachting capital of the world”. Despite the small boat built on the banks of the River Medina on the Isle of Wight for the use of Queen Elizabeth I, sailing didn’t catch on with the British. The Dutch were the first to get the sailing bug and eventually, Charles II was presented with a Dutch built yacht, which he sailed on the Thames.
It was not until 1820 when the Prince of Wales became King George IV and showed an interest in yachting that things started looking up for the sport. The Royal Yacht Squadron was formed 13 years later and the first racing took place at Cowes.
Cowes Week has been described as a regatta for billionaires who yachts are crewed by millionaires, and that could possibly be true. The sheltered waters and unusual tidal conditions of the Solent make this a very challenging regatta – hence the large number of sailors who flock to the little town every year.
Around 1,000 boats take part in the Regatta, ranging from high-tech racing machines to classic day boats, split into 40 classes. The event is open to everyone, amateur sailors completing alongside Olympic and World Champions, young and old, male and female. With all these boats afloat in one of the busiest commercial stretches of water in the world, racing at Cowes is never dull.
Approximately 8,500 sailors race each day, but hundreds of other boats converge on the scene, visitors to Cowes who come merely to enjoy the racing and the social scene. For non-participants there is a unique opportunity to see the yachts at close quarters on the Solent whether viewed from The Green at Cowes which offers a panoramic viewing platform, from Cowes Royal Yacht Club (invitation only), or from a boat in the bay.
And should you get bored with the racing, the people of Cowes make sure that you will not be bored with the entertainment laid on, whether it is the street theatre in The Parade and in the High Street, or the fun to be had in the pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes in the town. Check out Cowes Yacht Haven, East Cowes Marina and Shephards Wharf for the best entertainment, food and bars.
In the evening, if you haven’t been invited to one of the Yacht Club Balls then enjoy the live bands performing in the Yacht Haven, where the atmosphere is carnival-like with open-air activities, food stalls, and beer gardens. And make sure you are there for the final Friday night and the magnificent display of fireworks that ends the competition.
I'll be there - it's on my home patch!
