Combining a dazzling display of yachts, fireworks and shore side entertainment, Skandia Cowes Week is a mecca for sailors and party-goers alike.
The lowdown: Skandia Cowes Week is the longest running annual regatta in the world. This year’s event takes place between 30 July and 6 August and promises an influx of around a thousand yachts to the Isle of Wight’s shoreline, and an array of both sailing and non-water related events to amuse the thousands of visitors expected to visit Cowes during the eight day extravaganza.
On the water: Around 8,000 sailors race their boats on The Solent every day, starting at 10.30 and continuing until early evening. Competitors range from Olympic champions to relative beginners; the boats are split into 40 classes.
On the shore: The variety of weather and sea conditions make for interesting viewing as well as racing. Spectators can enjoy great vantage points from anywhere on the harbour or seafront. The majority of events start and finish on the Royal Yacht Squadron line, while, just to the West, The Green offers panoramic viewing platforms of the racers as they approach the finish line.
The highlight: The regular Friday evening firework display, watched by tens of thousands of people from both the shoreline and the water, promises to be the best ever in 2005. Past events have been termed the second largest in the UK; this year an anonymous donation of £30,000 could see the Cowes’ fireworks topple Edinburgh’s Hogmanay display from the number one spot.
Getting there: Cowes is centrally located off the south coast of England, a short hi-speed ferry ride from Southampton, which can be reached by air, rail or road.
Hangout: East Cowes Marina and Shephards Wharf are the two main outdoor points of entertainment, with food, bars and a carnival atmosphere. Cowes Yacht Haven is another popular hangout, famous for its nightly line up of live bands.
Shopping: The High Street is a good place to start, with a wide choice of art galleries, antique shops and boutiques.
Eating and drinking: Vendors along the waterfront serve cuisines from all over the world, while Cowes restaurants go into overdrive to keep up with thousands of hungry visitors. A stroll along the seafront will throw up curry houses, pizzerias and seafood restaurants.
See and do: If you’ve had your fill of the regatta and exhausted the street entertainment in Cowes, the surrounding villages offer plenty of escape. Visit Yarmouth Castle, The Needles, Wroxall’s Owl and Falconry Centre, Godshill’s model village, Brightstone’s Dinosaur Farm Museum and Chessel Pottery.
Accommodation: B&Bs and hotels are booked up well in advance. Berthing is an option for the last minute visitor, and can be booked through Cowes Shore Berths. Cowes Accommodation Agency can help with last minute bookings. For cottages and self-catering accommodation contact Regatta Lets.
Can’t get to Cowes? The countdown is also on for the Volvo Ocean Race.
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