Cowes Week Guide
A practical Old Sea Dogs guide to Cowes Week: racing, shore plans, berthing, viewing points, first-timer traps and what to check before heading for the Solent.
© Michael Hodges
Boating news, reviews, and sea stories
Old Sea Dogs
Old Sea Dogs joined the Island Sailing Club press boat for an unforgettable day on the Solent, where nearly 800 yachts celebrated one of Britain's greatest sailing traditions.
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Useful pages for real days afloat
The Old Sea Dogs Guide to the Round the Island Race
How to think about the Round the Island Race: the course, pinch points, race-day planning, spectator notes and the practical checks that matter before the start.
Solent Marina Guide
A practical guide to choosing Solent marina stops, from Cowes and the Hamble to Lymington, Portsmouth and Yarmouth, with the checks that matter before arrival.
UK Boat Show Calendar
A checked calendar-style guide to UK boat shows and sailing events, with confirmed dates called out and uncertain listings kept honest.
Beginner's Guide to Yacht Clubs
What yacht clubs are for, how to visit one without feeling out of place, what membership usually buys, and how to find the right club for your sailing.
Edited by Michael Hodges
A practical Solent eye on boating stories
Old Sea Dogs is being tightened around attributed sources, corrections, image credits, practical notes and Michael's own boating judgement: RYA Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2, years around Cowes and the Hamble, and a taste for details that survive contact with the tide.
Featured Port
Puerto del Rey Marina
Situated on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, Puerto del Rey Marina (now part of the Safe Harbor network) is widely regarded as one of the largest and most capable marinas in the Caribbean. It combines scale, service, and strategic location to serve as both a comfortable home base and an efficient stepping stone to the Virgin Islands and beyond.
Open port pageLatest from the Watch
Fresh sailing stories, race notes and waterfront news
Eckernförde Delivers a Spectacular Opening Day as Europe's Best Battle Baltic Conditions
The opening day of the 2026 European Championship delivered outstanding racing, powerful gusts and early championship statements as the Baltic reminded sailors why Eckernfrde is one of Europe's finest venues.3 min read
The countdown to the Round the Island 2026
Countdown to Round the Island 2026 Few races capture the spirit of British sailing quite like the Round the Island Race. With more than 600 boats already entered, the countdown is on for another unforgettable day as sailors of every ability prepare to tackle the famous 50-mile circuit of the Isle of Wight, where skill, teamwork and the ever-changing Solent conditions will decide the day's fortunes.3 min read
Editor's Choice
Hand-picked stories worth a proper look
Chosen for useful detail, clean attribution and a reason to read beyond the headline.
News
A New Helm for Heesen Yachts: Captain Mike Rouse Appointed as Strategic Advisor
Heesen Yachts, a pioneer in the yacht-building industry, positions Mike Rouse as Strategic Advisor, intending to optimise the captain's technical prowess and commanding expertise.
News
Nausicaä: Lürssen Launches Unconventional Fuel-Cell Superyacht and Jassj Sets Sail for Sea Trials
The maritime world welcomes Nausica, an innovative superyacht equipped with fuel-cell technology, while its sister ship, Jassj, embarks on sea trials.
Races
Unpredictable Weather and Tight Margins at Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake
A spectacle of adventurous sailing, Shotwick Lake became the epicentre of drama at the latest Border Counties meeting.
News
Kimi Antonelli Won the Race - Port Hercules was the Real Spectacle
Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli Won the Race, but the Superyachts Stole the Show
Boat Reviews
Launches, sea trials, and owner-minded notes
Reviews are written around the questions buyers and skippers actually ask: handling, access, storage, maintenance, and whether the layout works once the weather turns.