The highlight of the UK sailing calendar, Cowes Week is the longest running regatta in the world, having been held in early August nearly every year since 1826. Today, Cowes Week is an enormous event with 40 different classes and nearly 1,000 boats taking part from Dragons to high profile Maxis. Add another 200 spectator boats jostling for the best view and you have some idea of the magnitude of this regatta. The Solent is a unique sailing ground, characterised by its complicated tides, and the event gives the most experienced helmsman and crew plenty of excitement and challenges to overcome.
Onshore the social activities provide a non-stop party and are a key part of the week. The whirlwind includes live bands and barbecues, cocktail parties, yacht club balls, parties and a spectacular fireworks finale. Cowes is home to Flying Fish UK and we like to be well prepared each year for our local regatta. The race programme includes five days of training in tractics, boat handling and spinnaker handling before the start of the big event. With three or four Fish crews out on the water, there is always fierce competition on the Royal Yacht Squadron start line and some great downwind chasing at the finish.
