This Summer on the Water
Following on from last week’s insight into some of the must-experience land-based sporting events this summer, it’s now time to take a look at what to watch out for on the water.
Henley Royal Regatta: 2nd to 7th July 2024
The pinnacle of rowing regattas, Henley is unfailingly a highlight of the social and sporting calendars every summer. Attracting thousands of visitors throughout the week, the Royal Regatta showcases more than 300 races and some of the best male and female rowers in the world.
Held annually on the Thames since 1839, Henley epitomises British luxury and tradition, and attendees can take it all in from exclusive enclosures and hospitality areas while washing down the action with fine champagnes and gourmet dining.
A stylish summer dress code adds to the elegance of the proceedings and the resulting environment is a quintessentially English social scene which blends sport, sophistication and networking opportunities.
Cowes Week: 27th July to 2nd August
At the end of July begins one of the UK’s oldest and most renowned sporting occasions – Cowes Week. The event has taken place every year since 1826, with only a couple of exceptions, and promises year-on-year an abundance of sporting and social indulgence.
The Isle of Wight will play host to over 100,000 visitors throughout the week-long festival with the on-water competition being provided by around 8,000 yachters, ranging from amateurs to Olympic and world-class athletes.
One of the great advantages of Cowes Week is that spectators are able to watch much of the action on-shore from vantage points like The Green and The Parade. However, viewers now also have the opportunity to get up close to the action from spectator boats, with hour-long trips providing a more intimate perspective of the races.
You don’t have to be a sailing fanatic to enjoy Cowes as the racing is accompanied by a vibrant and varied entertainment schedule. This year’s on-shore festivities include an array of live music, the Classic Boat Museum, the Ladies Lunch, the awe-inspiring Red Funnel light experience and the legendary Lawn Bar.
America’s Cup: August to October 2024
Seeing out the summer is the America’s Cup, in partnership with Louis Vuitton. Over a 174-year history, yacht clubs from around the world have competed for the cup, with the most successful club in history being the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), which held the trophy for 132 years up until 1983.
The NYYC won 25 consecutive races within their period of dominance, as the unique nature of the competition sees matches held several years apart on dates agreed upon by the competing teams. Each year, the holder of the cup, known as the defender, sails against the challenger for the trophy, which is informally known as the Auld Mug.
The last America’s Cup was won by Emirates Team New Zealand in 2021, making them the defender this time around. The challenger is yet to be confirmed and will need to win a race comprising competitors from the UK, Switzerland, Italy, the USA and France, before taking on the Kiwi club.
Being held in Barcelona this summer, the event offers a magnificent opportunity for fans of sailing and luxury living to indulge in some world-class sport and sophistication. Exquisite hospitality areas are located in view of the race area, allowing guests to get up close to the action while enjoying luxurious comfort.
At Blend Group we specialise in bespoke luxury lifestyle management. If you’d like to experience some world-class sailing, rowing or yachting this summer, we’d love to hear from you here. We will tailor your experience directly to your individual requirements and can take care of everything from transport and accommodation to race experiences and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
