Cowes Week

Cowes Week is one of the longest-running regular regattas in the world having been started by George IV in 1826. It is held on the Solent, the water between Southampton and the Isle of Wight. With 40 daily races, up to 1,000 boats, and 8,000 competitors ranging from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors, it is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. The area of water is made particularly challenging by strong double tides. Being part of the social calendar, the week also includes a large number of onshore events and parties, attracting thousands of visitors.