Cowes Week – One of the Greatest Regattas in the World
At the end of this month begins one of the UK’s longest-running and well-known sporting events – Cowes Week. Having been held every summer since 1826, with only a couple of exceptions, the Isle of Wight regatta is one of the UK’s most prestigious and respected sporting exports.
The first time the regatta was held only seven yachts competed for a gold cup worth a total value of £100. Since then, the event has evolved hugely and now up to 1,000 boats take to the water vying for silverware including the Queen’s Cup, which was first presented in 1897 by Queen Victoria.
Other trophies include the Britannia Cup and the Young Skipper’s Trophy, which is given to the best performing skipper under the age of 25, and a coveted Scottish quaich is awarded to the overall winner of the week. From its humble beginnings, the event now attracts around 8,000 competitors, ranging from Olympic and world-class yachtsmen to amateurs, in 40 different classes each day.
It’s not just on the water that crowds are entertained, however, as the week-long festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, creating a vibrant and buzzing on-land atmosphere. In previous years, elaborate fireworks displays and Red Arrow flyovers have amazed the crowds, and shoreside events happen every night and include black tie cocktail parties, live music and boat parties.
Spectators can watch much of the racing from the shore and Cowes Radio gives continuous, live commentary on the action, meaning it’s easy to follow. It’s even possible to watch from the water, as there are spectator boats which allow for close-to-the-action viewing.
Of course, visitors can also take in all that the Isle of Wight has to offer, from stunning beaches and rolling hills to smugglers’ inns and Michelin-starred restaurants. The event consistently attracts British and foreign royalty among the copious famous faces in the crowd.
This year the regatta is taking place from the 30th of July to the 5th of August. If you’d like to enquire into attending 2023’s edition in the most luxury way possible, we’d love to hear from you here. We can put together a completely bespoke package to suit all your requirements, including travel, accommodation and additional once-in-a-lifetime moments.