Cowes Articles
Cowes Week 2025, marking its 199th year, promises to be an exhilarating celebration of sailing excellence, set to unfold from Saturday, August 2, to Friday, August 8, on the iconic Solent waters off Cowes, Isle of Wight. Established in 1826, this prestigious regatta is the world’s longest-running sailing event, blending competitive racing with a vibrant social atmosphere, attracting around 1,000 boats, 8,000 competitors, and over 100,000 spectators. The event’s rich history and evolution from an elite pastime to an inclusive sport make it a cornerstone of the British sporting summer.
© Michael Hodges
The 199th Cowes Week 2025
23-05-2025
The 2025 edition marks the 100th anniversary of the race, which began in 1925. Over the years, the Fastnet Race has grown to become the world’s largest offshore race, attracting a diverse fleet ranging from amateur sailors to professional crews. The challenging course takes competitors past landmarks such as The Needles, Land’s End, and the Fastnet Rock off Ireland’s southwest coast before finishing in Cherbourg.
In the 2023 edition, the French IMOCA 60 yacht MACIF Santé Prévoyance, skippered by Charlie Dalin with co-skipper Pascal Bidégorry, made history by clinching monohull line honours.
23-05-2025
The countdown is on for one of the UK's most iconic sailing events: the Round the Island Race 2025, taking place on Saturday, 7th June. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, this annual spectacle draws over 1,700 boats and 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races globally and the fourth largest mass participation sporting event in the UK.
23-05-2025
Cowes Week Limited (CWL), the organisation behind the world’s premier sailing regatta, is delighted to announce that Sunsail, a globally recognised leader in yacht chartering, has renewed for a further year as the Official Charter Sailing Partner for the 2025 Regatta.
23-05-2025
Gypsy Moth IV is one of the most iconic yachts in British maritime history, known for her association with legendary sailor Sir Francis Chichester.
Built in 1966 by Camper and Nicholsons, the 53-foot ketch was purpose-designed to help Sir Francis Chichester to attempt a remarkable feat,
to sail solo around the world with just one stop. Which had never before been accomplished.
Constructed using cold-moulded Honduras mahogany on a lightweight frame, Gypsy Moth IV was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and
innovative engineering for its time. Chichester set sail from Plymouth, England, in August 1966 and returned in May 1967, completing the voyage in 226 days at sea.
21-05-2025
Gypsy Moth IV is one of the most iconic yachts in British maritime history, known for her association with legendary sailor Sir Francis Chichester.
Built in 1966 by Camper and Nicholsons, the 53-foot ketch was purpose-designed to help Sir Francis Chichester to attempt a remarkable feat,
to sail solo around the world with just one stop. Which had never before been accomplished.
Constructed using cold-moulded Honduras mahogany on a lightweight frame, Gypsy Moth IV was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and
innovative engineering for its time. Chichester set sail from Plymouth, England, in August 1966 and returned in May 1967, completing the voyage in 226 days at sea.
15-05-2025