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
Nanny-Cay-Marina
Located on the south coast of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Nanny Cay Marina is a premier full-service marina and resort that has become a favourite hub for cruising yachts, luxury charters, and liveaboards exploring the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Blending top-tier facilities with a laid-back island vibe, it offers everything sailors need—whether they’re passing through, chartering, or staying
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.