Cowes (the world’s oldest sailing regatta)
Isle of Wight is home to the world’s biggest yachting festival. Cowes attracts 100 visitors each year, the unique tidal patterns on the Solent making for a challenging race.
Read our post for sustainable sailors (covers wildlife-friendly tips).
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Run for 200 years, unfortunately the festival still ends with a massive fireworks display, which no doubt terrifies local pets and wildlife. Read of alternatives to fireworks.
Cowes sailing regatta has been held each year since 1826, apart from during the two World Wars. Around 8000 people take part in competitions on 1000 boats, in the Solent (the body of water between Isle of Wight and southern England, known for its tricky double tides).
The town of Cowes (linked to Queen Victoria)
The town of Cowes has royal connections (Queen Victoria’s summer residence of Osborne House was in East Cowes (connected by a chain ferry), where her entertaining habits gave birth to Victoria sponge. Many of the buildings still have Victorian architecture influence.
Also known for its boat building, the first ever America Cup was held here, back in 1851.
The Solent offered sheltered water and easy access from mainland ports. A race around the Isle of Wight in 1810 moved yachting from private leisure to public sport.
Cowes’ Cousin (the round the island race)
This is usually held in June, a huge one-day race. The most recent French winner Charlie Dalin completed the 24,000 nautical mile course in almost 65 days. He used his naval architecture degree to help, not letting people know that at the time, he was battling gastrointestinal cancer,
Henley-on-Thame’s sailing regatta
Another well-known sailing regatta is in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Held since 1839, this time competitors row boats, rather than sail yachts.
It’s a highlight of the English social season, with a strict dress code. Men must wear a lounge suit or jacket (with trousers and tie) and women must wear dresses or skirts below the knees (or trouser suits) and are encouraged to wear hats.
Former MP Boris Johnson of course caused disgrace, by partying while people were not allowed to hold the hands of their dying relatives during the pandemic.
When he was considering standing again in this safe Tory seat to return to politics, one local member of the Conservative Association said the former Prime Minister would only take up his old seat ‘over my dead body’.
