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
Nearly 1000 boats will line up for the 2026 Round the Island Race as Britain's most famous yacht race prepares to deliver another unforgettable day of sailing around the Isle of Wight.
Sections
NewsShowsRacesReviewsGearDestinationsMasterclassLifestyleClubsPortsFlagship guides
Useful pages for real days afloat
Round the Island Race Guide
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
Montauk Yacht Club
Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, the Montauk Yacht Club (now known as Gurney’s Star Island Marina) is one of the premier marina destinations on the U.S. East Coast. With its blend of luxury, nautical charm, and strategic location, this full-service marina offers both seasoned sailors and luxury cruisers an ideal base for exploring the waters of the Atlantic and Block Island Sound.
Open port pageReviewed latest
Fresh pieces worth putting in front of readers
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.