SailGP is a yacht racing league using foiling catamarans. Professional racing teams compete against each other at different locations around the world. This year is the inaugural year and 8 teams are competing in Sydney Australia, San Francisco USA, New York USA, Cowes UK and Marseille France. Continue reading
Cowes Week 2014, which takes place August 2 to August 9, promises to be spectacular, with many exciting events planned. The event kicks off on Saturday with a performance by The Blades Aerobatic Display Team, and throughout the day there is a variety of musical entertainment, as well as endless options for food and drink. Sunday is Family Day, with a choice of kids’ activities, including flag making and face painting, just to name a few. In the evening enjoy a screening of The Goonies at the outdoor cinema. Special family tickets are available. An unusual on-going event this year is the Boss Up a Mast fundraiser, where you can nominate your boss to be harnessed atop a mast, until a certain amount of money is raised for the event’s charity, UKSA. Thursday is Ladies’ Day, celebrating the participation and success of women in sailing, and sports in general. A ladies’ lunch will be held, as well as the presentation of prizes to female sailors throughout the day. In the evening, the Ladies’ Trophy will be presented at a VIP drinks reception. Exhibition racing commences, and the event concludes Friday with a performance by the RAF Red Arrows. Of course, the grand finale is the fireworks display, which has been a tradition since the very early days.
Cowes Week is the longest-running regatta in the world, held annually on the Solent, a strait which separates mainland England from the Isle of Wight. Started in 1826, it now involves up to 1000 competitors participating in some 40 different races. Anyone, from Olympic champions to first-time sailors is welcome to participate, which is sure to provide plenty of entertainment for spectators
There are plenty of great spots to view the action on the water, but there are lots of other possibilities onshore as well. Stroll through the town and explore galleries and boutiques; or take a break in one of the many pubs and restaurants and just soak up the atmosphere.
If you want to be closer to the action, there a number of options, from family-friendly spectator boats to luxury charters, with food and drink provided.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time spectator, Cowes Week 2014 is sure to leave with memories to last a lifetime, or at least until next year’s event!
Related Articles: Images of Cowes Week; Cowes Week 2013; Cowes Week Sailing Regatta
Images of Cowes Week 2013 – I was lucky enough to get across to Cowes and take some images of Cowes Week 2013.
This work Images of Cowes Week 2013 by lovesail.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
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Related Articles: Cowes Week 2014; Cowes Week 2013; Cowes Week Sailing Regatta
Cowes Week (Isle of Wight, UK) Dates for 2013: 3rd – 10th August 2013. Here are some statistics to give you some idea of the event.
A Regatta has been held in Cowes since 1826 in some form or another. Lasting 8 days and with up to 40 races each day for over 1000 keelboats, this makes it the largest regatta in the world. Over 8500 competitors take part from Olympic Champions to weekend sailors, all trying to sail The Solent waters with their tricky tidal conditions. Lets not forget also this stretch of water is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world
With over 100,000 visitors attending Cowes Week, there are plenty of Shoreside activities too. Try watching the races from The Green or pop along to the High Street to see street theatre, chandleries, art galleries, antiques, clothing/leisurewear and gift shops. In the evening a carnival atmosphere is enjoyed with live bands across the various bars areas and plenty of superb restaurants and pubs catering for various tastes.
At the end of the Cowes Week there is a spectacular firework display on the Friday evening to close.
Thousands of spectators watch the fireworks from the shoreside or from boats. A must see.
Images courtesy of lovesail.com
Related Articles: Cowes Week 2014; Images of Cowes Week; Cowes Week 2013