Isle of Wight Articles

199th Cowes Week

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.
The 199th Cowes Week 2025
© Michael Hodges

The 199th Cowes Week 2025

04-07-2025

Honours to Zoulou, skippered by 84-year-old Peter Cunningham

Honours to Zoulou, skippered by 84-year-old Peter Cunningham
© Paul Wyeth and Ian Roman
Race Overview & Fleet Held on Saturday 7 June 2025, this iconic 50.1 nm race once again launched from Cowes with over 800 boats competing across classes. A mix of family crews, school yachts, club racers, and top-tier skippers from across the UK took on the challenge — the energy ashore and afloat was buzzing. Weather-wise, mild conditions and light winds prevailed; thunder showers loomed but largely held off — a blessing compared to the Friday forecasts.
09-06-2025

Round the Island Race 2025

Good luck to all taking part in today's the Round the Island Race 2025, 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.
07-06-2025

The Admiral’s Cup

The Admiral’s Cup stands as one of the most storied and prestigious events in the world of offshore yacht racing, a competition that has long been regarded as the unofficial world championship of the sport.
28-05-2025

The 100th Rolex Fastnet Race

The Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most prestigious offshore yacht races, is set to celebrate its centenary on Saturday, 26 July 2025. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), this 695-nautical mile race will commence from Cowes on the Isle of Wight and conclude in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
25-05-2025

UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championships

Gary Aldington and Tom Gardner in 'Double Trouble' (1-88) went one better than in 2024 clinching the top position in the opening race of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championships with an impressive average speed of 99.35 mph.
23-05-2025

Cowes Week - Sunsail renew sponsorship

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

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

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

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

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

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

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

Garmin Renews Sponsorship as Official Weather Forecast Partner for Cowes Week 2025

Cowes Week Ltd has confirmed that Garmin®, a global leader in marine electronics, will return as the Official Weather Forecast Sponsor for Cowes Week 2025. The renewed partnership extends Garmin’s long-standing support for one of the world’s most prestigious sailing regattas.
12-05-2025