Cowes Week is one of the UK’s most successful sporting events. Here, Madeleine Barber discovers its history and appeal
When I tell my friends that I’ll be off to Cowes Week this year, I’m met with chuckles and mocking questions about farmyards. It surprises me that they haven’t heard of the iconic regatta. The event has taken place beside the Isle of Wight every August since 1826 (with the exception of a few war-riddled years), blossoming into one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events.
The first race in 1826 involved just seven yachts under the flag of the Royal Yacht Club, and was in pursuit of a £100 Gold Cup. The next year, in 1827, King George IV blessed the event with his approval, and so Cowes Regatta was born.
Today, visitors to Cowes Week (of which there are often over 100,000) can expect to see up to 1,000 boats from all over the world negotiating the Solent. It’s quite a spectacular sight, as I discover upon boarding a RIB boat with British footwear brand Chatham, who are hosting me for the day.
We head out from Southampton, whizzing across the water in our RIB, and arrive on the Solent just in time to see the start of a race. I think it’s an IRC Class race, but my limited knowledge of sailing gets the better of me. Still, it doesn’t matter. I’m perfectly happy to sit back and take in the views. The yachts are gliding majestically towards the start line and we sit on the edge of our seats in anticipation. A horn sounds. The race begins. But a few naughty vessels were over the start line, so the adjudicators put a ‘general recall’ into place, flying a black flag. This means the race must be restarted, so crews circle round to begin again.
Tensions are high as the second attempt comes into play. This time only one yacht is over the line, so the race goes on for the rest of the contenders. Slaloming their way to the finish line, the boats seem to gracefully glide rather than frantically fight for first place. It’s a stunning and hypnotic sight. Then, we’re pulled from our trance and whipped back to shore in time for lunch.
Dry land at Cowes is just as packed with people as the sea is bustling with boats. It’s a giant event with a harbour-side arena filled with food and drink stalls to keep spectators happy. There’s everything from fish and chips and Caribbean cuisine to barbecues and sizzling paella pans. Not to mention Cowes High Street, which is lined with sleek interior stores, seafood smokeries and street performers.
It’s no wonder that over 100,000 visitors flock to Cowes Week every year – I can see why. So bravo, King George IV. We thank you.
Cowes Week runs on the Isle of Wight every August. For the latest updates, visit aamcowesweek.co.uk. For more sporting stories, try cliff camping or a family fishing day.
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