Cowes Week

Cowes Week

When it began in 1826, Cowes Week saw just seven vessels race over three days. Today it’s the world’s premiere sailing event, with more than 1,000 boats and 8,500 competitors participating in an eight-day regatta. This is a great place to see the really big boats up close – naval warships, superyachts and square riggers are often on display – and it’s also prime people-watching ground. Even if you don’t know your port from your starboard, the spectacle of a 150ft schooner travelling at 20 knots or a yacht turning on a sixpence can only be surpassed by the party atmosphere that prevails once the boats are moored and the visiting crowds join locals to sup real ale and tell fishy tales until late. The live music, yacht-club balls, cocktail parties and a firework display on the final Friday all add up to a very social seaside extravaganza.

Highlights

The Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball, launched in 2006, has become a favourite already, with an excellent dinner, charity auction, dancing and, if you’re lucky, a brilliant Elvis impersonator… See www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org for details, and book early as it sells out.

In The Know

Head Count

More than 80,000 spectators and 8,500 competitors participate each year.

Meeting Point

The Waterside Pub, on the High Street in Cowes, or by the canons below the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Best View

The best spots for viewing race starts and the inshore races are along Cowes Parade, in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and on Princes Green, especially the panoramic pubic viewing point.

Packing Tips

Most attendees wear shorts and flip-flops in the day and jeans in the evening. But pack something appropriately black tie if you're likely to be invited to one of the evening dos. Bring a pair of binoculars so you can watch the racing.

Escape

Queen Victoria’s favourite family home, Osborne House in East Cowes (www.english-heritage.org), was designed by Prince Albert himself. The house is magnificent, and a circular walk through the gardens has views to the sea.

Dos and don'ts

• Bring a portable radio so you can stay tuned into the action with Cowes Radio (87.7FM).
• Don’t expect to be able to see all the boats all of the time – different courses take them to different parts of the Solent.
• Buy an official programme – this will help explain the racing and make sense of the melee of more than 1,000 boats.
• Be prepared for changeable weather conditions.
• Book accommodation well in advance, since it’s in very short supply during Cowes Week.
• Charter a bespoke yacht. Ring Meranti Marine on 07765 142691 and share the sea thrills for about £250 a person.

Need To Know

Children

Those who aren’t easily startled can watch the race starts from behind the cannons at the Royal Yacht Squadron. For the adventure-hungry, a spectator boat service gets close to the action, and sponsors Skandia provide free introductory sailing lessons for kids (see the website). Street entertainers and face painters are also on patrol.

Parking

There's plenty in Southampton for those going by foot on the ferry, but much less in Cowes itself.

Disability Access

Many of the sailors competing have disabilities, so there is high access-awareness generally. Wheelchair access is good at the yacht clubs, in the town centre and around the marinas.

Food & Drink

Sailors tend to gather at the Beer Tent in Cowes Yacht Haven, the Pier View and the Anchor in Cowes for their après-sail pints. We also like a spot of lunch at the Octopus Café on the High Street – a strange but great place full of Beatles memorabilia run by a Fab Four enthusiast (01983 291188; www. octopusgardencafe.co.uk). For something more elegant, try the Restaurant Amadeus, also on the High Street, which serves an excellent bargain Franglais menu (01983 293681; www.cafemozart.co.uk).

Sleep

A Smith favourite is the Seaview in the village of Seaview (www.seaviewhotel.co.uk). Alternatives include Bonchurch Manor in Bonchurch, which serves Indian food (01983 852868; www.bonchurchmanor.com), or the Hambrough in Ventnor (01983 856333; www. thehambrough.com). Off the island itself, there’s the George in Yarmouth, which has a Michelin-starred restaurant (01983 760331; www.thegeorge.co.uk).

VIP

Many firms offer corporate hospitality: contact Sell Sell Sail (01326 374919; www.sellsellsail.co.uk).