Isle of Wight Articles
It had been a week of weather games and tactical headaches, where light-air specialists and heavy-weather bruisers both found their days to shine. And by the time the Island Sailing Club and Cowes Yacht Haven rolled out the prize-giving silverware, there were as many stories as there were trophies — each one carried home by a grinning crew and a slightly over-polished helmsman.
The Big One – Britannia Cup For pure prestige, no trophy rivals the Britannia Cup.
© Michael Hodges
Cowes Week 2025 ended in style, with trophies awarded
10-08-2025
Catalan sailor Dani Anglada Pich, blind and utterly undaunted, became the first person to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight solo and unaided—without sight, without a rudder, without a boom, and without even a centreboard. Just one man and his Patí Català, the sleek but stubborn rudderless catamaran more often seen on Barcelona beaches than off the headlands of the Solent.
The start was straight from a naval novel: cannon fire from the Royal Yacht Squadron signalled the off, courtesy of RYS Secretary Patricia Lewington.
29-07-2025
The 199th Cowes Week 2025, kicking off its 199th year, is set to be a jolly good time on the Solent waters near Cowes, Isle of Wight, from August 2 to August 8. Born in 1826, this grand old regatta, the longest-running sailing bash in the world, mixes fierce races with a great social vibe. Picture this: 1,000 boats, 8,000 sailors, and 100,000 happy spectators, all soaking up the fun. It’s now a summer must-do for every British sea lover !
25-07-2025
The Admiral’s Cup roared to life with a deceptively light start — and then reminded everyone why it’s earned its legend. The 160nm Channel Race looked tame leaving the Solent, but by sunrise the next day, the fleet limped back soaked to the skin, eyes red and salt-blasted. A confused sea, building pressure topping 25 knots, and a foaming downwind leg back from France — it was a full-pelt Atlantic slap in the face. The final reach to the finish? A screecher, with kites straining and helms gritted.
24-07-2025
The Admiral’s Cup returns to Cowes from 17 July to 1 August 2025, reviving offshore sailing’s iconic team race. National teams will compete in inshore and offshore events, celebrating Corinthian spirit, tradition, and global competition on the Solent.
17-07-2025
Honours to Zoulou, skippered by 84-year-old Peter Cunningham
09-06-2025
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 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 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
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 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
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
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