Cowes Week

Cowes Week

Snippet by © Paul Dodson 2012

When the fickle British weather's on song and the breeze is light but consistent, there ain't no place like Cowes on the Isle of Wight come early August - if you are a yachtie at any rate!

Each year Cowes plays host to the longest-running sailing regatta in the world - Cowes Week - held along the stretch of ocean between the English mainland and the Isle of Wight known as the Solent - a stretch of sea often made ticklish for yachtsmen and women by strong double tides. A typical Cowes Week now has over 35 starts a day for classes of cruiser-racers, one designs and keelboats; in which over a thousand boats and 8,500 competitors will take part.

No yacht? No matter! Most of the 50,000+ in attendance wouldn't know a Carrick Bend from a Double Granny. It's the party on shore that they're there to see.

So if you find yourself in the British Isles come late summer why not head down to Cowes on the Isle of Wight and join the strawberries and Pimms set as they talk tactics and get tanked. Bon Voyage!

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